They also made providers aware of when tests theyd ordered for a patient may not be needed.
We are always getting continuing education as clinicians.
What Are the Risks of Over Treating Older Adults?
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It can also be expensive, time-consuming, and stressful.
Take aroutine screening for a UTI.
Many older women naturally have bacteria in their bladders that can cause a UTI test to come back positive.
Big picture, prescribing antibiotics that patients dont need contributes to antibiotic resistancean already big and growing problem.
Prostate cancerscreenings are another common example.
Another risk for older adults is the health negative consequences of overtreating diabetes.
At best, it is likely that doing the tests hasnt been shown to add value.
At worst, they can potentially lead to downstream harms.
Which Treatment and Screenings Should Be Modified for Older Adultsor Avoided?
Providers have to weigh the benefits against the possible harms in each case.
But if the patient is not having any symptoms, it is probably not necessary.
Screening or testing for older adults should only be done if a doctor thinks a disease might be present.
Which Health Screenings Are Highly Recommended for Older Adults?
Students dont get a lot of training in geriatric care in medical school, according to Ward.
As a result, many primary care providers are not well-versed in treating older adults.
That lack of knowledge could be contributing to the overtreatment of their older patients.
The warnings popped up if the provider ordered a treatment that wasnt not recommended for the age group.
The campaign lists 45 examples of common tests or treatments that dont have strong supporting evidence behind them.
I think its important for clinicians to think several steps ahead when choosing tests, said Persell.
We always need to ask ourselveshow will these results change what I do?
Is it likely that pursuing the results of a positive test will benefit this patient?
And does the medical evidence support what Im doing?
Providers arent the only ones who can ask questions, though.
If your provider wants you to have a test or screening, ask them why.
Find out what the benefits and risks are and why they think its important for your health.
Published online February 6, 2024. doi:10.7326/M23-2183
Medicalxpress.Reducing harmful health screenings and overtreatment in older adults.
doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.7504
U.S. Preventive Services Task Force.A & B recommendations.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Older adults now able to receive additional dose of updated COVID-19 vaccine.
American Academy of Family Physicians.Preventive care for seniors.
