Deprescribing Tools — RACP Adult Medicine MCQ

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EasyGeriatric MedicineDeprescribing ToolsRACP Adult Medicine

A 80-year-old woman in residential aged care is found to be taking 12 regular medications (polypharmacy). Her family asks about a medication review. What validated tool is used in Australia to identify potentially inappropriate medications in older adults?

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Correct answer: E — STOPP/START criteria

The STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions) and START (Screening Tool to Alert to Right Treatment) criteria are the most widely validated and used tools in Australia and internationally for identifying potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) in older adults. STOPP identifies medications that should be stopped; START identifies medications that should be started but are omitted. The Beers Criteria (US-based) is also used but is less applicable to Australian prescribing. A pharmacist-led Home Medicines Review (HMR) or Residential Medication Management Review (RMMR) is funded by the Australian government for eligible patients.

Reference: NHMRC/AMS – 2024 – Deprescribing Guidelines; STOPP/START Criteria – 2023