Development and validation of PolyScan, an information technology triage tool for older adults with polypharmacy: a healthcare informatics study

Introduction Polypharmacy is associated with potentially inappropriate medicine prescribing and avoidable medicine-related harm. should not be perceived as inherently harmful. Instead, priority placed on reducing prescribing.Aim The study aimed to develop validate PolyScan, a primary care information technology tool, triage older adults polypharmacy who are prescribed medicines.Methods Twenty-one indicators from New Zealand criteria of medicines correct for were developed into set implementable definitions. definitions applied algorithmic logic statements used interrogate hospital emergency department records pharmaceutical collection data classify whether each indicator was present at an individual patient level, then individuals based the number met. Validity evaluated by comparing PolyScan’s accuracy against manual review healthcare 300 adults.Results PolyScan successfully implemented tool that can identify in different levels aggregation. has utility practitioners delivering care, organisations undertaking quality improvement programmes, policymakers considering system-level interventions medicines-related safety. During validity assessment, identified nine (3%) medicine. Five unique detected. achieved 100% sensitivity, specificity, positive negative predictive values.Discussion support clinicians, clinics, allocation resources, rational campaigns, identifying review.