Research Article

Current Practice in Geriatric Outpatients: An Evaluation Based on STOPP/START and BEERS Criteria

Volume: 30 Number: 4 August 3, 2026

Current Practice in Geriatric Outpatients: An Evaluation Based on STOPP/START and BEERS Criteria

Abstract

Background: Medication safety in older adults is a major public health concern, as inappropriate prescribing can lead to adverse outcomes and increased healthcare burden. This study aimed to evaluate prescription appropriateness in geriatric outpatients in eastern Türkiye using BEERS and STOPP/START criteria. Methods: A prospective observational study was carried out at a Family Health Center in Ağrı from Nov 2023 to Feb 2024. Forty-six patients aged 65+ were included. Pharmacists reviewed medications using BEERS and STOPP/START criteria. Demographic, clinical, and medication data were analyzed with Jamovi and SPSS. Results: The mean age of 46 patients (18F, 28M) was 70.6. Average medication use was 4; 33% had polypharmacy. Potentially inappropriate medications were found in 37% (BEERS), 59% (START), and 28% (STOPP). Eight patients met both START and STOPP criteria. Potentially inappropriate medications were significantly associated with higher comorbidities (p<0.03) and medication count (p<0.01). START was more sensitive than BEERS and STOPP. Conclusion: BEERS and STOPP/START criteria are essential for safe prescribing in older adults. Regular pharmacist-led medication reviews may reduce potentially inappropriate medications prevalence and enhance treatment outcomes.

Keywords

References

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Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice

Journal Section

Research Article

Publication Date

August 3, 2026

Submission Date

October 16, 2025

Acceptance Date

April 1, 2026

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 30 Number: 4

APA
Şahin, Y., Canarslan, D. D., Saat, M., Özgan, B., Öztürk Yalçın, Z., & Bektay, M. Y. (2026). Current Practice in Geriatric Outpatients: An Evaluation Based on STOPP/START and BEERS Criteria. Journal of Research in Pharmacy, 30(4), 1007-1017. https://izlik.org/JA84MM78BR
AMA
1.Şahin Y, Canarslan DD, Saat M, Özgan B, Öztürk Yalçın Z, Bektay MY. Current Practice in Geriatric Outpatients: An Evaluation Based on STOPP/START and BEERS Criteria. J. Res. Pharm. 2026;30(4):1007-1017. https://izlik.org/JA84MM78BR
Chicago
Şahin, Yeliz, Didem Dilara Canarslan, Mehmet Saat, Betül Özgan, Zeynep Öztürk Yalçın, and Muhammed Yunus Bektay. 2026. “Current Practice in Geriatric Outpatients: An Evaluation Based on STOPP START and BEERS Criteria”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30 (4): 1007-17. https://izlik.org/JA84MM78BR.
EndNote
Şahin Y, Canarslan DD, Saat M, Özgan B, Öztürk Yalçın Z, Bektay MY (August 1, 2026) Current Practice in Geriatric Outpatients: An Evaluation Based on STOPP/START and BEERS Criteria. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30 4 1007–1017.
IEEE
[1]Y. Şahin, D. D. Canarslan, M. Saat, B. Özgan, Z. Öztürk Yalçın, and M. Y. Bektay, “Current Practice in Geriatric Outpatients: An Evaluation Based on STOPP/START and BEERS Criteria”, J. Res. Pharm., vol. 30, no. 4, pp. 1007–1017, Aug. 2026, [Online]. Available: https://izlik.org/JA84MM78BR
ISNAD
Şahin, Yeliz - Canarslan, Didem Dilara - Saat, Mehmet - Özgan, Betül - Öztürk Yalçın, Zeynep - Bektay, Muhammed Yunus. “Current Practice in Geriatric Outpatients: An Evaluation Based on STOPP START and BEERS Criteria”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy 30/4 (August 1, 2026): 1007-1017. https://izlik.org/JA84MM78BR.
JAMA
1.Şahin Y, Canarslan DD, Saat M, Özgan B, Öztürk Yalçın Z, Bektay MY. Current Practice in Geriatric Outpatients: An Evaluation Based on STOPP/START and BEERS Criteria. J. Res. Pharm. 2026;30:1007–1017.
MLA
Şahin, Yeliz, et al. “Current Practice in Geriatric Outpatients: An Evaluation Based on STOPP START and BEERS Criteria”. Journal of Research in Pharmacy, vol. 30, no. 4, Aug. 2026, pp. 1007-1, https://izlik.org/JA84MM78BR.
Vancouver
1.Yeliz Şahin, Didem Dilara Canarslan, Mehmet Saat, Betül Özgan, Zeynep Öztürk Yalçın, Muhammed Yunus Bektay. Current Practice in Geriatric Outpatients: An Evaluation Based on STOPP/START and BEERS Criteria. J. Res. Pharm. [Internet]. 2026 Aug. 1;30(4):1007-1. Available from: https://izlik.org/JA84MM78BR