Polypharmacy Risk Assessment (Beer Criteria)
Identifies high-risk medication burden in elderly patients. Based on American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria and STOPP/START framework.
Score interpretation
→ Continue current medications; annual medication review; ensure adherence
→ Structured medication review; deprescribe duplicates and low-benefit drugs; check STOPP/START criteria; pharmacist input
→ Urgent medication reconciliation; stop or substitute PIMs; renal function review; referral to clinical pharmacologist; patient and carer education
Interpretation bands for the Polypharmacy / Beers. Apply clinical judgement and local guidance.
References
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
- Palivizumab · RSV Prophylaxis — Monthly Monoclonal Antibody (High-Risk Infants)
- Vitamins A, C and D · Childhood vitamin supplement
- Ziprasidone · Atypical Antipsychotic — D2/5-HT2A Antagonist (Low Metabolic Risk)
- Atorvastatin (CKD Cardiovascular Risk) · Cardiovascular Risk in CKD
- Icosapent Ethyl (Omega-3 — Cardiovascular Risk Reduction) · Omega-3 Fatty Acid (Purified EPA — Eicosapentaenoic Acid Ethyl Ester)
- Falls Assessment in Older Adults · NICE CG161 2013
- Delirium Outside ICU · NICE CG103
- Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) · BGS / NICE
- Delirium Assessment and Management · NICE CG103 2010
- Frailty Recognition and Management · BGS Frailty Framework / NHS NHSE
- Polypharmacy and Medicines Optimisation · STOPP/START v2 2014 / NICE NG5
Decision support only — verify against a current formulary, NICE, or your local guideline before clinical use.