Poisoning in older adults: characterization of exposures reported to the Dutch Poisons Information Center
Saskia J. Rietjens, Joyce E. M. van der Heijden, Dylan W. de Lange
Abstract
The majority of intoxications in older adults are accidental and often involve medication errors. Unintentional poisoning is often preventable. If patients are cognitively impaired, potentially harmful substances should be kept out of their reach and medication should only be administered under direct supervision. Clear labelling, simplified drug regimens and the use of automatic medication dispensers could reduce the risk of medication errors in older patients.
Topics & Concepts
Information centerPoison controlOccupational safety and healthInjury preventionMedical emergencySuicide preventionHuman factors and ergonomicsCenter (category theory)Poison control centerMedicineEnvironmental healthEmergency medicinePsychologyChemistryPathologyCrystallographyMathematics educationEducational researchPharmaceutical Practices and Patient OutcomesPharmacy and Medical Practices