DESCRIPTION

This clinical tool, based on the 2023 AGS Beers Criteria^® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults (PIMs), has been developed to assist healthcare providers in improving medication safety in older adults. Our purpose is to reduce older adults’ exposure to PIMs by improving medication selection; to educate clinicians and patients; to reduce adverse drug events; and to serve as a tool for evaluating quality of care, cost, and patterns of drug use of older adults.

Originally conceived of in 1991 by the late Mark Beers, MD, a geriatrician, the Beers Criteria catalogues medications that cause side effects in the elderly due to the physiologic changes of aging. The 2023 American Geriatrics Society (AGS) Beers Criteria^® for Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use in Older Adults is the seventh overall update and fourth since AGS became the criteria’s steward in 2012. As with previous updates, the AGS and its expert panel have attempted to preserve the spirit and intent of the original Beers Criteria by providing an explicit list of PIMs that are best avoided by older adults in most circumstances or under specific situations, such as certain diseases, conditions, or care settings.

Digital: 1-year digital subscription to access a printer-friendly downloadable PDF hosted on GeriatricsCareOnline.org. A large-print version is available upon request. Email GCOinfo@americangeriatrics.org after placing your order. 

Print Single Card: Order up to 5 single laminated pocket cards (dimension of folded pocketcard is 4” by 6.25”). For an order of 6 cards or more, purchase a set of 25.

Print Set of 25 Cards: Save when you order more. Each set includes 25 sturdy pocketcards (each folded pocketcard measures 4” by 6.25”).

You can purchase a downloadable mobile app subscription to this content here.