Madam, - A review of the pharmacological training received by doctors dealing with older patients is needed, in the light of the two separate studies which found that older patients in Ireland were receiving inappropriate medication.
The first study, published in the current edition of Age and Ageing, found that a third of patients over 65 admitted to Cork University Hospital's accident and emergency department were on inappropriate medication. Of these, 16 per cent had suffered adverse effects such as falls, kidney failure or gastro-intestinal bleeding.
The second study, due to be published in the Irish Journal of Medical Science, found that half of the residents surveyed in west of Ireland nursing homes who were on anti-psychotic medication should not have been on it. These drugs - which are often used inappropriately to sedate patients - can lead to heart attacks and strokes.
When somebody is given a prescription by their GP they presume they are receiving a medicine which is appropriate and safe. These two studies suggest that this is not the case for a significant minority of older people surveyed. The medical profession must act urgently to address the issues they raise. - Yours, etc,
EAMON TIMMINS,
Head of Advocacy and Communications,
Age Action,
Lower Camden Street,
Dublin 2.