Introduction: The geriatric population in Malaysia is expanding rapidly due to increased life expectancies. The vulnerability of this population to the adverse effects of medications due to multiple comorbidities and polypharmacy predisposes them to potentially inappropriate medications (PIMSs). The Beers Criteria is a recognized tool for assessing PIMs, but the level of awareness regarding these criteria among community pharmacists is currently unknown.
This study aimed to assess the awareness and knowledge of Beers Criteria and its extent of application in practice among community pharmacists in the Klang Valley, Malaysia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 218 community pharmacists in the Klang Valley using a validated, self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge on PIMs was assessed using a ten-question clinical vignette based on Beers Criteria. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results: Respondents had a significant proportion of their customer base who were elderly. Only 28% of respondents were aware of Beers Criteria, and of this group only 41% were aware of the latest update. The mean score for the clinical vignette was 5.42 ± 1.98. Awareness of Beers Criteria and years of experience in practice were associated with higher knowledge scores (p < 0.05). Good geriatric practices were reported by respondents with the exception of regular usage of Beers Criteria (16.5% agreement) and regularly asking
elderly-looking customers their age (43.6% agreement). Most respondents (74.3%) utilized other clinical resources and were confident in providing care to elderly customers. Conclusion: Awareness of Beers Criteria remains low among community pharmacists. However, pharmacists utilized other resources and demonstrated good geriatric practices. While this shows the adequacy of current practice, efforts to increase awareness of geriatric-specific tools such as Beers Criteria may address specific knowledge gaps and improve the level of care involving the elderly.