Adverse drug events are a common source of harm in both inpatient and ambulatory patients. This narrative review of 75 studies concluded that cardiovascular medications are a leading cause of medication harm across different clinical settings, and that older adults are at increased risk. Medications to treat high blood pressure and arrhythmias were the most common cause of medication harm.

This study found that about half of patients aged 70 and older who were discharged from the hospital to a long-term care facility were prescribed a medication deemed to be high risk according to Beers criteria. Despite clear evidence that geriatric patients experience high rates of adverse drug events, inappropriate prescribing remains common and concerning.

This study used semistructured interviews with interns who had committed prescribing errors to determine the underlying factors predisposing to the error.