How does the Beer's Criteria influence prescribing among geriatric patients?

The Beer's criteria was first published in 1991 as an educational tool for health care providers to help in selection of medications appropriate for patients ≥65yo in the nursing home setting. Since its publication, the criteria have expanded and are used by accreditation organizations such as the National Committee for Quality Assurance and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid as a quality measure. Although the criteria is recognized by healthcare professionals as a valuable tool to help promote safe and effective use of medication and prevent harm among geriatric patients, it is not known if prescribers use the criteria as a reference when prescribing. The purpose of this study is to assess physician's knowledge of the content found in the Beer's criteria and how the criteria influence prescribing. In addition to assessing if the criteria influence prescribing, the study also assess what additions and changes prescribers would like to see in the criteria that will improve safe medication use in elderly adults