The 2023 American Geriatrics Society Updated Beers Criteria® Application in Low- and Middle-Income Countries: A Walk-through

Abstract

The 2023 update of the American Geriatrics Society Beers Criteria® provides a comprehensive set of guidelines for optimizing medication use in older people. While this update is based on a rigorous review of evidence from clinical trials and research studies published between 2017 and 2022, its application in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) may present unique challenges and considerations. LMICs often face different health care realities compared with high-income countries, such as limited access to medications, varying prescribing practices, and resource constraints. As a result, the Beers Criteria® 2023 update, which includes the addition, deletion, and revision of medicines based on new evidence, may not be entirely applicable or feasible in these settings. This commentary aims to explore the implications of the 2023 Beers Criteria® update for LMICs, highlighting the need for context-specific adaptations and strategies to optimize medication use and improve health outcomes for older people in resource-limited settings.