Eligible for inclusion were randomised controlled trials or quasi-experimental studies that focused on electronic or computer-based clinical decision making aids or support to avoid the prescription of inappropriate medication. The population had to be adults living in the community and aged 65 years or older. Studies of adults in nursing homes or assisted living were excluded. Eligible comparators were no electronic or computer-based support, or no intervention. The outcomes had to be the frequency of ordering potentially inappropriate medications for patients at discharge, or the rates of unexpected hospital readmissions or emergency room visits for patients who were discharged with inappropriate medications.
The included studies were published between 2006 and 2009. The interventions were computer-based alerts, including drug- and age-specific alerts, and education. They lasted from 12 months to 39 months. None of the studies specifically measured unplanned emergency room visits or unexpected hospital admissions.
The authors did not state how many reviewers were involved in study selection.