Data collection and evaluation procedures
For all patients aged over 65 years old, demographic information (age
and gender), clinical history (diseases and comorbidities) and
prescription information were included. Age groups were divided into
seven 5-year age groups (66–70, 71–75, 76–80, 81–85, 86–90, 91–95
and ≥96). Patients’ diseases and comorbidities were grouped and
identified using a widely accepted diagnosis classification system, the
International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health
Problems, 10th revision (ICD-10).18Each prescription of an individual patient contained the information of
the generic names and brand names, duration and route of administration
of each medication, as well as the date of the prescription.