Assessment and intervention advances for potentially inappropriate medications in older adults

Potentially inappropriate medications (PIM) refer to drugs whose expected risks outweigh their clinical benefits. They represent a significant risk factor for falls, frailty, rehospitalization, and mortality in older adults and have thus become a research focus in the field of polypharmacy management. Based on recent domestic and international research advances, this article systematically reviews the assessment tools and intervention strategies for PIM. In terms of assessment, a comparative analysis is conducted on three major tools: the internationally recognized American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria, the screening tool of older persons' prescriptions (STOPP) / screening tool to alert to right treatment (START) criteria, and the Chinese PIM criteria. Regarding interventions, the strategies of deprescribing, the multidisciplinary team collaboration model, and innovative artificial intelligence– supported interventions are elaborated. The article further discusses the effectiveness and challenges of these strategies in clinical practice, aiming to provide a reference for improving rational medication use in older patients.