American Geriatrics Society 2023 Updated AGS Beers Criteria® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults

Posted in RESOURCES

Mary Madison, RN, RAC-CT, CDP
Clinical Consultant – Briggs Healthcare

The American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria® (AGS Beers Criteria®) for Potentially Inappropriate Medication (PIM) Use in Older Adults is widely used by clinicians, educators, researchers, healthcare administrators, and regulators. Since 2011, the AGS has been the steward of the criteria and has pro-duced updates on a regular cycle. The AGS Beers Criteria® is an explicit list of PIMs that are typically best avoided by older adults in most circumstances or under specific situations, such as in certain diseases or conditions. For the 2023update, an interprofessional expert panel reviewed the evidence published since the last update (2019) and based on a structured assessment process approved a number of important changes including the addition of new criteria, modification of existing criteria, and formatting changes to enhance usability. The criteria are intended to be applied to adults 65 years old and older in all ambulatory, acute, and institutionalized settings of care, except hospice and end-of-life care settings. Although the AGS Beers Criteria® may be used internationally, it is specifically designed for use in the United States and there may be additional considerations for certain drugs in specific countries. Whenever and wherever used, the AGS Beers Criteria® should be applied thoughtfully and in a manner that supports, rather than replaces, shared clinical decision-making.

I have been a fan/follower of the AGS Beers Criteria for a couple of decades now.  When I was directing the actual care of older residents, I referenced it often.  I still reference it often as a clinical consultant when assisting colleagues as well as for reviewing medications being used by my family and friends. If you’re unfamiliar with the Beers Criteria, please access this 30-page Special Article: American Geriatrics Society 2023 updated AGS Beers Criteria® for potentially inappropriate medication use in older adults.  I encourage you to save it where you can access it as well as share it with your team and colleagues.  You’ll appreciate this resource.

The article is a free access document. The above hyperlink takes you to the Abstract where you can select to read it in PDF format. The Tables begin on page 5 of the article.