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Masnoon N, Lo S, Baysari M, Bennett A, McLachlan AJ, Blyth F, Duong M, Hilmer SN. Consumer and multidisciplinary clinician experiences after implementation of the Drug Burden Index intervention bundle to facilitate deprescribing in older inpatients: A mixed method study. J Eval Clin Pract 2025; 31:e14220. [PMID: 39564871 DOI: 10.1111/jep.14220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 08/14/2024] [Accepted: 10/14/2024] [Indexed: 11/21/2024]
Abstract
RATIONALE The Drug Burden Index (DBI) measures exposure to anticholinergic and sedative drugs, which are associated with harm in older adults. To facilitate deprescribing in older Australian inpatients, we piloted an intervention bundle integrating the DBI in Electronic Medical Records, clinician deprescribing guides, consumer information leaflets and a stewardship pharmacist. OBJECTIVES To understand (i) hospital clinician experiences of using the bundle and (ii) consumer (patient and carer) and General Practitioner (GP) experiences of in-hospital deprescribing, following bundle implementation. METHODS Hospital clinicians from target services (General and Geriatric Medicine) at an Australian metropolitan tertiary-referral hospital, were invited to complete surveys, including the System Usability Scale (SUS), and interviews. Patients aged ≥75 years with high DBI (DBI ≥1) were admitted to target services, and their carers, received interview invitations. Consenting patients' GPs received surveys. Qualitative data was thematically analysed. Hospital clinician interviews were mapped to the Human Organisation Technology-fit Framework. Patient interviews were mapped to an adaptation of the National Health Service Patient Experience Framework. RESULTS Seventeen hospital clinicians (n = 15 medical, n = 2 pharmacists) and four GPs completed surveys. Eight hospital clinicians (n = 7 medical, n = 1 pharmacist), seven patients and two carers completed interviews. Hospital clinicians reported good usability (SUS score 71.5 ± 12.5). Most themes were around system use and user satisfaction. They reported the intervention was useful for medication review, identified challenges from pre-existing heavy workload and suggested further integration into workflows. Patients and carers reported themes around information, communication and education. Patients reported feeling better or no different post-deprescribing. Patients, carers and GPs described poor communication regarding in-hospital medication changes and their rationale. CONCLUSIONS The intervention was well accepted by hospital clinicians. The bundle requires further integration into workflows for sustainability and assessment of generalisability in other health services. Given patients, carers and GPs reported poor medication-related communication, future interventions may target this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nashwa Masnoon
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarita Lo
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Melissa Baysari
- Biomedical Informatics and Digital Health, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Alexandra Bennett
- New South Wales Therapeutic Advisory Group, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrew J McLachlan
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fiona Blyth
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mai Duong
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Departments of Clinical Pharmacology and Aged Care, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Cross AJ, Villani ER, Jadczak AD, Pitkälä K, Hamada S, Zhao M, Gutiérrez-Valencia M, Aalto U, Dowd LA, Li L, Liau SJ, Liperoti R, Martínez-Velilla N, Ooi CE, Onder G, Petrie K, Roitto HM, Roncal-Belzunce V, Saarela R, Sakata N, Visvanathan R, Zhang TG, Bell JS. Prevalence of strong anticholinergic use in residents with and without cognitive impairment and frailty: Analysis from 106 nursing homes in 12 Asia-Pacific and European countries. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2025; 128:105636. [PMID: 39303422 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2024] [Revised: 08/29/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 09/22/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE There is a need to balance the benefits and risks associated with strong anticholinergic medications in older adults, particularly among those with frailty and cognitive impairment. This study explored the international prevalence of strong anticholinergic medication use in residents of nursing homes with and without cognitive impairment and frailty. METHODS Secondary, cross-sectional analyses of data from 5,800 residents of 106 nursing homes in Australia, China, Czech Republic, England, Finland, France, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, and Spain were conducted. Strong anticholinergic medications were defined as medications with a score of 2 or 3 on the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale. Dementia or cognitive impairment was defined as a documented diagnosis or using a validated scale. Frailty was defined using the FRAIL-NH scale as 0-2 (non-frail), 3-6 (frail) and 7-14 (most-frail). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Overall, 17.4 % (n = 1010) residents used ≥1 strong anticholinergic medication, ranging from 1.3 % (n = 2) in China to 27.1 % (n = 147) in Italy. The most prevalent strong anticholinergics were quetiapine (n = 290, 5.0 % of all residents), olanzapine (132, 2.3 %), carbamazepine (102, 1.8 %), paroxetine (88, 1.5 %) and amitriptyline (87, 1.5 %). Prevalence was higher among residents with cognitive impairment (n = 602, 17.9 %) compared to those without (n = 408, 16.8 %), and among residents who were most frail (n = 553, 17.9 %) compared to those who were frail (n = 286, 16.5 %) or non-frail (n = 171, 17.5 %). CONCLUSIONS One in six residents who were most frail and living with cognitive impairment used a strong anticholinergic. However, there was a 20-fold variation in prevalence across the 12 countries. Targeted deprescribing interventions may reduce potentially avoidable medication-harm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda J Cross
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Emanuele R Villani
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; UOC Geriatria, Disturbi Cognitivi e Demenze, Dipartimento di Cure Primarie, AUSL Modena, 41121 Modena, Italy
| | - Agathe D Jadczak
- Adelaide Geriatrics Training and Research with Aged Care (GTRAC) Centre, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; The Basil Hetzel Institute, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kaisu Pitkälä
- Department of General Practice, University of Helsinki Unit of Primary Health Care, Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Shota Hamada
- Research Department, Institute for Health Economics and Policy, Association for Health Economics Research and Social Insurance and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Department of Home Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Meng Zhao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Marta Gutiérrez-Valencia
- Unit of Innovation and Organization, Navarre Health Service, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain; Navarre Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
| | - Ulla Aalto
- Department of Geriatrics, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Laura A Dowd
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Li Li
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shin J Liau
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Rosa Liperoti
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Nicolás Martínez-Velilla
- Navarrabiomed, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Choon Ean Ooi
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Graziano Onder
- Department of Geriatrics and Orthopedics, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Rome, Italy; Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy
| | - Kate Petrie
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Hanna M Roitto
- Department of Geriatrics, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Victoria Roncal-Belzunce
- Navarre Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarre, Spain; Universidad Pública de Navarra (UPNA), IdiSNA, Pamplona, Spain
| | - Riitta Saarela
- Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services Division, City of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Nobuo Sakata
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Heisei Medical Welfare Group Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Renuka Visvanathan
- Adelaide Geriatrics Training and Research with Aged Care (GTRAC) Centre, Adelaide Medical School, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia; Aged and Extended Care Services, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tiange G Zhang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
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Gebreyohannes EA, Shibe BS, Taye WA, Lee K, Abdela OA, Ayele EM, Belachew EA, Mengistu SB, Myint PK, Soiza RL. Anticholinergic burden and health-related quality of life among adult patients in a resource-limited setting: a cross-sectional study. Int J Clin Pharm 2024; 46:1352-1361. [PMID: 39007992 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-024-01769-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticholinergic medications are now widely acknowledged for their unfavorable risk-to-benefit profile owing to their adverse effects. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is commonly regarded as a crucial person-centered outcome. AIM This study aimed to investigate the association between anticholinergic burden and HRQoL in hospitalized and ambulatory patients seen in Ethiopia. METHOD This cross-sectional study utilized a questionnaire and medical records to collect data from a convenience sample of adult patients attending both inpatient wards and ambulatory clinic of University of Gondar Comprehensive Specialized Hospital between April and September 2022. Anticholinergic burden was measured by anticholinergic cognitive burdens scale (ACBS), while HRQoL was measured using EQ5D-index (Euroqol-5 dimensions-5-Levels index) and EQ5D-VAS (visual analogue scale). Linear regression was used to assess the influence of high anticholinergic burden (ACBS score ≥ 3) on EQ5D-index and EQ5D-VAS, with adjustments made for sociodemographic and clinical confounders. RESULTS A total of 828 patients participated in this study (median (IQR) age was 45.0 (30, 60) and 55.9% were female). On multiple linear regression analysis, high anticholinergic burden was associated with a statistically significant decline in HRQoL, as evidenced by reductions in both EQ5D index (- 0.174 (- 0.250, - 0.098)) and EQ5D-VAS scores (- 9.4 (- 13.3, - 5.2)). CONCLUSION A significant association between high anticholinergic burden and diminished HRQoL was found among a relatively younger cohort in a resource-limited setting, even after adjustment for important confounding variables. Clinicians should be cognizant of the cumulative impact of anticholinergic burden on HRQoL outcomes and strive to minimize anticholinergic burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eyob Alemayehu Gebreyohannes
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia.
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia.
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK.
| | - Biniam Siyum Shibe
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Wagaye Atalay Taye
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Kenneth Lee
- School of Allied Health, The University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Ousman Abubeker Abdela
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Emneteab Mesfin Ayele
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | - Eyayaw Ashete Belachew
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia
| | | | - Phyo Kyaw Myint
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
| | - Roy Louis Soiza
- Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, The University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, UK
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Nakham A, Bond C, Cruickshank M, Newlands R, Myint PK. The REGENERATE Study: A Non-Randomized Feasibility Study of an Intervention to REduce anticholinerGic burdEN in oldER pATiEnts. Geriatrics (Basel) 2024; 9:152. [PMID: 39727811 PMCID: PMC11728085 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9060152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2024] [Revised: 10/31/2024] [Accepted: 11/19/2024] [Indexed: 12/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Anticholinergic burden (ACB) from medications has been associated with adverse outcomes in older adults. Aim: The aim was to conduct a non-randomized feasibility study of an intervention to reduce the anticholinergic burden in older patients (REGENERATE) to inform a subsequent definitive trial. Methods: The development and evaluation of an ACB reduction intervention was guided by the Medical Research Council framework. Findings from preliminary studies, two systematic reviews, and two qualitative studies informed the design of a mixed-method feasibility study. The study was conducted in one UK primary care site. The clinical pharmacist identified and invited potentially eligible patients, reviewed their medications, and made recommendations to reduce the ACB as needed. Patients completed surveys at baseline and 6 and 12 weeks post-intervention. A purposive sample of patients and healthcare professionals was interviewed. Results: There was a response of 16/20; 14/16 attended the pharmacist-led consultation and completed the baseline questionnaire, and 13/14 completed both follow-up questionnaires. The sustainability of deprescribing was confirmed. The results suggest the potential of the intervention to reduce side effects from medications and improve quality of life (EQ-5D-5L). The interviews showed patients were happy with the study processes and the medication changes and were satisfied with the pharmacist's consultation. Conclusions: This feasibility study demonstrated that a deprescribing/reducing ACB intervention in older adults is feasible in a primary care setting and may benefit patients. Well-designed RCTs and cost-effectiveness studies should be undertaken to confirm the benefits of ACB deprescribing in primary care settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Athagran Nakham
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Neresuan University, Phitsanulok 65000, Thailand
- Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) Team, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
| | - Christine Bond
- School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
| | - Moira Cruickshank
- Aberdeen Centre for Evaluation, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (M.C.); (R.N.)
| | - Rumana Newlands
- Aberdeen Centre for Evaluation, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK; (M.C.); (R.N.)
| | - Phyo Kyaw Myint
- Ageing Clinical and Experimental Research (ACER) Team, Institute of Applied Health Sciences, School of Medicine, Medical Sciences and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen AB25 2ZD, UK;
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Rodrigues DA, Herdeiro MT, Mateos-Campos R, Figueiras A, Roque F. Potentially inappropriate anticholinergic drug use among older adults in primary healthcare: prevalence and determinants. Expert Opin Drug Saf 2024:1-7. [PMID: 39105534 DOI: 10.1080/14740338.2024.2385479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/07/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Considering the vulnerability of older adults to adverse drug reactions, medications with strong anticholinergic properties are considered potentially inappropriate for this population. This study aims to characterize older adults' profile of anticholinergics use and to identify the factors associated with their potentially inappropriate use. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 1200 older adults in primary health care centers of Portugal between April 2021 and August 2022. Potentially inappropriate use was assessed according to the 2023 Beers criteria. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine associations between independent variables and potentially inappropriate use. RESULTS A 8.9% (95% CI 0.074-0.107) of the older adults were exposed to one or more potentially inappropriate anticholinergics, and amitriptyline was the most used (2.0%). Multivariate analysis revealed that use was associated with a higher mean number of medications (OR 1.173, 95% CI 1.115-1.234), diagnoses of depression (OR 2.889, 95% CI 1.785-4.674) and psychiatric disorders (OR 1.654, 95% CI 1.003-2.729). CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the importance of vigilance in prescribing anticholinergic medications to older adults, particularly those with higher medication burdens and mental health diagnoses. By identifying factors associated with potentially inappropriate use, healthcare providers can better tailor medication regimens to mitigate risks and optimize the well-being of older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela A Rodrigues
- Biotechnology Research, Innovation and Design for Health Products (BRIDGES) - Research Laboratory on Epidemiology and Population Health, Polytechnic of Guarda (IPG), Guarda, Portugal
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
- PhD Student, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Maria Teresa Herdeiro
- Department of Medical Sciences, Institute of Biomedicine (iBiMED), University of Aveiro, Aveiro, Portugal
| | - Ramona Mateos-Campos
- Area of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Biomedical and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
| | - Adolfo Figueiras
- Department of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, University of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria de Santiago de Compostela/IDIS), A Coruña, Spain
- Consortium for Biomedical Research in Epidemiology and Public Health (CIBER en Epidemiología y Salud Pública/CIBERESP), Carlos III Institute of Health, Madrid, Spain
| | - Fátima Roque
- Biotechnology Research, Innovation and Design for Health Products (BRIDGES) - Research Laboratory on Epidemiology and Population Health, Polytechnic of Guarda (IPG), Guarda, Portugal
- Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior (CICS-UBI), Covilhã, Portugal
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6
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Rodríguez-Ramallo H, Báez-Gutiérrez N, Villalba-Moreno Á, Jaramillo Ruiz D, Santos-Ramos B, Prado-Mel E, Sanchez-Fidalgo S. Reducing the drug burden of sedative and anticholinergic medications in older adults: a scoping review of explicit decision criteria. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2024; 121:105365. [PMID: 38364710 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2024.105365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2023] [Revised: 01/27/2024] [Accepted: 02/04/2024] [Indexed: 02/18/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To describe the extent, characteristics, and knowledge gaps regarding explicit decision criteria for deprescribing drugs with anticholinergic or sedative properties (Ach/Sed) in older adults. DESIGN Scoping review. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Original studies, clinical trial protocols, grey literature, and Summaries of Product Characteristics. METHODS Searches targeting explicit decision criteria for deprescribing Ach/Sed were performed across MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science, including trial registries (clinicaltrials.gov, ICTRP, EU-CTR, ANZCTR) for pertinent articles, study protocols. Additionally, to encompass non-traditional or 'grey literature' sources, Google searches and relevant agency websites were explored, alongside the summary of product characteristics for Ach/Sed. RESULTS The initial literature search identified 8,192 unique data sources. After review, 188 original articles or books, 79 internet sources, and 127 SmPCs were included. Examining these sources for explicit criteria for 154 Ach/Sed, overall, 1,271 explicit criteria guidance for identifying clinical scenarios warranting deprescription of Ach/Sed across 145/154 Ach/Sed were identified. These criteria were identified mainly from qualitative research and Summaries of Product Characteristics. Additionally, 455 criteria-based recommendations suggesting approaches for tapering implementation across 76/154 Ach/Sed were identified, mostly from sources classified as expert opinions. Significant heterogeneity was found across the approaches for tapering Ach/Sed. CONCLUSIONS This scoping review provides a comprehensive overview of the literature providing guidance for clinical scenarios where Ach/Sed should be deprescribed and highlights the existing knowledge gaps regarding comprehensive guidance on tapering these drugs which warranties future research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hector Rodríguez-Ramallo
- Pharmacy Department, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain; Clinical Unit of Pneumology and Thoracic Surgery, Institute of Biomedicine of Seville, Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío/CSIC/University of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | | | - Didiana Jaramillo Ruiz
- Pharmacy Department, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain; Andalusian Public Foundation for Health Research Management of Seville, Seville, Spain
| | | | - Elena Prado-Mel
- Pharmacy Department, Virgen del Rocío University Hospital, Seville, Spain
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Japelj N, Horvat N, Knez L, Kos M. Deprescribing: An umbrella review. ACTA PHARMACEUTICA (ZAGREB, CROATIA) 2024; 74:249-267. [PMID: 38815201 DOI: 10.2478/acph-2024-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
This umbrella review examined systematic reviews of deprescribing studies by characteristics of intervention, population, medicine, and setting. Clinical and humanistic outcomes, barriers and facilitators, and tools for deprescribing are presented. The Medline database was used. The search was limited to systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in English up to April 2022. Reviews reporting deprescribing were included, while those where depre-scribing was not planned and supervised by a healthcare professional were excluded. A total of 94 systematic reviews (23 meta--analyses) were included. Most explored clinical or humanistic outcomes (70/94, 74 %); less explored attitudes, facilitators, or barriers to deprescribing (17/94, 18 %); few focused on tools (8/94, 8.5 %). Reviews assessing clinical or humanistic outcomes were divided into two groups: reviews with deprescribing intervention trials (39/70, 56 %; 16 reviewing specific deprescribing interventions and 23 broad medication optimisation interventions), and reviews with medication cessation trials (31/70, 44 %). Deprescribing was feasible and resulted in a reduction of inappropriate medications in reviews with deprescribing intervention trials. Complex broad medication optimisation interventions were shown to reduce hospitalisation, falls, and mortality rates. In reviews of medication cessation trials, a higher frequency of adverse drug withdrawal events underscores the importance of prioritizing patient safety and exercising caution when stopping medicines, particularly in patients with clear and appropriate indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuša Japelj
- 1University of Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Social Pharmacy 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nejc Horvat
- 1University of Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Social Pharmacy 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Lea Knez
- 1University of Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Social Pharmacy 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- 2University Clinic Golnik 4204 Golnik, Slovenia
| | - Mitja Kos
- 1University of Ljubljana Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Social Pharmacy 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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Silva Almodóvar A, Keller MS, Lee J, Mehta HB, Manja V, Nguyen TPP, Pavon JM, Terman SW, Hoyle D, Mixon AS, Linsky AM. Deprescribing medications among patients with multiple prescribers: A socioecological model. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:660-669. [PMID: 37943070 PMCID: PMC10947820 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Deprescribing is the intentional dose reduction or discontinuation of a medication. The development of deprescribing interventions should take into consideration important organizational, interprofessional, and patient-specific barriers that can be further complicated by the presence of multiple prescribers involved in a patient's care. Patients who receive care from an increasing number of prescribers may experience disruptions in the timely transfer of relevant healthcare information, increasing the risk of exposure to drug-drug interactions and other medication-related problems. Furthermore, the fragmentation of healthcare information across health systems can contribute to the refilling of discontinued medications, reducing the effectiveness of deprescribing interventions. Thus, deprescribing interventions must carefully consider the unique characteristics of patients and their prescribers to ensure interventions are successfully implemented. In this special article, an international working group of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, epidemiologists, and researchers from the United States Deprescribing Research Network (USDeN) developed a socioecological model to understand how multiple prescribers may influence the implementation of a deprescribing intervention at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal level. This manuscript also includes a description of the concept of multiple prescribers and outlines a research agenda for future investigations to consider. The information contained in this manuscript should be used as a framework for future deprescribing interventions to carefully consider how multiple prescribers can influence the successful implementation of the service and ensure the intervention is as effective as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Silva Almodóvar
- Institute of Therapeutic Innovations and Outcomes (ITIO), The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Michelle S Keller
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jiha Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Hemalkumar B Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Veena Manja
- Veterans Affairs Northern California Healthcare System, Mather, California, USA
- University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Thanh Phuong Pham Nguyen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Juliessa M Pavon
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Samuel W Terman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel Hoyle
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Amanda S Mixon
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Amy M Linsky
- General Internal Medicine, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- General Internal Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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Cattaneo D, Torre A, Schiuma M, Civati A, Casalini G, Gori A, Antinori S, Gervasoni C. Management of Polypharmacy and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Patients with Pulmonary Aspergillosis: A 2-Year Study of a Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic. J Fungi (Basel) 2024; 10:107. [PMID: 38392779 PMCID: PMC10889795 DOI: 10.3390/jof10020107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Revised: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Pulmonary aspergillosis mainly affects elderly patients, patients with pulmonary complications, patients with hematological malignancies, organ transplant recipients, or critically ill patients. Co-morbidities may result in a high rate of polypharmacy and a high risk of potential drug-drug interaction (pDDI)-related antifungal azoles, which are perpetrators of several pharmacokinetic- and pharmacodynamic-driven pDDIs. Here, we report the results of the first 2-year study of an outpatient clinic focusing on the management of therapies in patients with pulmonary aspergillosis. All patients who underwent an outpatient visit from May 2021 to May 2023 were included in this retrospective analysis. A total of 34 patients who were given an azole as an antifungal treatment (53% voriconazole, 41% isavuconazole, and 6% itraconazole) were included. Overall, 172 pDDIs were identified and classified as red- (8%), orange- (74%), or yellow-flag (18%) combinations. We suggested handling polypharmacy in those patients using specific diagnostic and pharmacologic interventions. As expected, red-flag pDDIs involved mainly voriconazole as a perpetrator (71%). However, nearly 30% of red-flag pDDIs were not related to antifungal therapy. These findings highlight the importance of conducting an overall assessment of the pharmacologic burden and the key role played by a multidisciplinary team for the optimization of therapies in patients with pulmonary aspergillosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Cattaneo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Gestione Ambulatoriale Politerapie (GAP) Outpatient Clinic, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Torre
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Schiuma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Aurora Civati
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Giacomo Casalini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Spinello Antinori
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Gervasoni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Gestione Ambulatoriale Politerapie (GAP) Outpatient Clinic, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20154 Milan, Italy
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10
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Haider I, Kosari S, Naunton M, Niyonsenga T, Koerner J, Peterson G, Davey R. Impact of on-site pharmacists in residential aged care facilities on the quality of medicines use: a cluster randomised controlled trial (PiRACF study). Sci Rep 2023; 13:15962. [PMID: 37749102 PMCID: PMC10519995 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42894-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Residents of residential aged care facilities (RACFs) have a high prevalence of use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and resultant medicines-related harm. This study investigated the effect of an on-site pharmacist model on PIMs use and other medication outcomes for residents in RACFs. A multi-facility, non-blind, cluster randomised controlled trial, with randomisation at the facility level, was conducted. Fifteen facilities enrolled and participated in the study, 7 facilities (560 residents) were allocated to the intervention arm and 8 facilities (737 residents) were allocated to the control arm. Each facility in the intervention arm employed an on-site pharmacist for 12 months to perform medication management activities as part of an interdisciplinary care team. The primary outcome was the proportion of residents taking at least one PIM according to the 2019 Beers® Criteria. Using generalised linear mixed-effects models, accounting for confounders and clustering, there was a significant reduction in the proportion of residents prescribed at least one PIM (odds ratio 0.50, 95% confidence interval, 0.335-0.750; p = 0.001) in the intervention arm. There were also significant decreases in the Anticholinergic Cognitive Burden scale and chlorpromazine equivalent daily dose of antipsychotics. The on-site pharmacist intervention significantly improved the appropriateness of medicines use in RACFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ibrahim Haider
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia.
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia.
| | - Sam Kosari
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia
| | - Mark Naunton
- Discipline of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia
| | - Theo Niyonsenga
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia
| | - Jane Koerner
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia
| | - Gregory Peterson
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS, 7005, Australia
| | - Rachel Davey
- Health Research Institute, Faculty of Health, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT, 2617, Australia
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11
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Michael HU, Enechukwu O, Brouillette MJ, Tamblyn R, Fellows LK, Mayo NE. The Prognostic Utility of Anticholinergic Burden Scales: An Integrative Review and Gap Analysis. Drugs Aging 2023; 40:763-783. [PMID: 37462902 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-023-01050-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anticholinergic drugs are commonly prescribed, especially to older adults. Anticholinergic burden scales (ABS) have been used to evaluate the cumulative effects of multiple anticholinergics. However, studies have shown inconsistent results regarding the association between anticholinergic burden assessed with ABS and adverse clinical outcomes such as cognitive impairment, functional decline, and frailty. This review aims to identify gaps in research on the development, validation, and evaluation of ABS, and provide recommendations for future studies. METHOD A comprehensive search of five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, PsychInfo, CINAHL, CENTRAL) was conducted for relevant studies published from inception until 25 May 2023. Two reviewers screened for eligibility and assessed the quality of studies using different tools based on the study design and stage of the review framework. Research evidence was evaluated, and gaps were identified and grouped into evidence, knowledge, and methodological gaps, using evidence tables to summarize data. RESULTS Several evidence, knowledge, and methodological gaps in existing development, validation, and evaluation studies of ABS were identified. There is no universally accepted scale, and there is a need to define a clinically relevant threshold for measuring total anticholinergic burden. The current evidence has limitations, underrepresenting low- and middle-income countries, younger individuals, and populations with cognitive disabilities. The impact of anticholinergic burden on frailty is also understudied. Existing evaluation studies provide limited evidence on the benefit of reducing anticholinergic burden on clinical outcomes or the safety of anticholinergic deprescribing. There is also uncertainty regarding optimal reduction, clinically significant anticholinergic burden thresholds, and cost effectiveness. CONCLUSIONS Future research recommendations to bridge knowledge gaps include developing a risk assessment framework, refining ABS scales, establishing a standardized consensus scale, and creating a longitudinal measure of cumulative anticholinergic risk. Strategies to minimize bias, consider frailty, and promote multidisciplinary and multinational collaborations are also necessary to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry Ukachukwu Michael
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada.
- Centre for Outcomes Research & Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), 5252 de Maisonneuve, 2B:43, Montréal, QC, H4A 3S5, Canada.
| | | | - Marie-Josée Brouillette
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Chronic Viral Illness Service, McGill University Health Centre (MUHC), Montreal, QC, Canada
- Infectious Diseases and Immunity in Global Health Program, MUHC-RI, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Robyn Tamblyn
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Department of Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Occupational Health, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lesley K Fellows
- Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nancy E Mayo
- Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
- Centre for Outcomes Research & Evaluation, Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre (RI-MUHC), 5252 de Maisonneuve, 2B:43, Montréal, QC, H4A 3S5, Canada
- School of Physical and Occupational Therapy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
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12
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Cattaneo D, Torre A, Schiuma M, Civati A, Lazzarin S, Rizzardini G, Gori A, Antinori S, Gervasoni C. Management of Polypharmacy and Potential Drug-Drug Interactions in Patients with Mycobacterial Infection: A 1-Year Experience of a Multidisciplinary Outpatient Clinic. Antibiotics (Basel) 2023; 12:1171. [PMID: 37508267 PMCID: PMC10375959 DOI: 10.3390/antibiotics12071171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Revised: 07/06/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
In 2022, we opened an outpatient clinic for the management of polypharmacy and potential drug-drug interactions (pDDIs) in patients with mycobacterial infection (called GAP-MyTB). All patients who underwent a GAP-MyTB visit from March 2022 to March 2023 were included in this retrospective analysis. Fifty-two patients were included in the GAP-MyTB database. They were given 10.4 ± 3.7 drugs (2.8 ± 1.0 and 7.8 ± 3.9 were, respectively, antimycobacterial agents and co-medications). Overall, 262 pDDIs were identified and classified as red-flag (2%), orange-flag (72%), or yellow-flag (26%) types. The most frequent actions suggested after the GAP-MyTB assessment were to perform ECG (52%), therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM, 40%), and electrolyte monitoring (33%) among the diagnostic interventions and to reduce/stop proton pump inhibitors (37%), reduce/change statins (14%), and reduce anticholinergic burden (8%) among the pharmacologic interventions. The TDM of rifampicin revealed suboptimal exposure in 39% of patients that resulted in a TDM-guided dose increment (from 645 ± 101 to 793 ± 189 mg/day, p < 0.001). The high prevalence of polypharmacy and risk of pDDIs in patients with mycobacterial infection highlights the need for ongoing education on prescribing principles and the optimal management of individual patients. A multidisciplinary approach involving physicians and clinical pharmacologists could help achieve this goal.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dario Cattaneo
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Gestione Ambulatoriale Politerapie (GAP) Outpatient Clinic, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Alessandro Torre
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Marco Schiuma
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Aurora Civati
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Samuel Lazzarin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Giuliano Rizzardini
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Gori
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Spinello Antinori
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Gervasoni
- Department of Infectious Diseases, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
- Gestione Ambulatoriale Politerapie (GAP) Outpatient Clinic, ASST Fatebenefratelli-Sacco University Hospital, 20157 Milan, Italy
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13
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Nishtala PS, Pickering JW, Bergler U, Mangin D, Hilmer SN, Jamieson H. Post Hoc Analyses of a Randomized Controlled Trial for the Effect of Pharmacist Deprescribing Intervention on the Anticholinergic Burden in Frail Community-Dwelling Older Adults. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2023:S1525-8610(23)00478-4. [PMID: 37339754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.05.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Anticholinergic burden is detrimental to cognitive health. Multiple studies found that a high anticholinergic burden is associated with an increased risk for dementia, changes to the brain structure, function, and cognitive decline. We performed a post hoc analysis of a randomized controlled deprescribing trial. We compared the effect of the intervention on baseline anticholinergic burden across the treatment and control groups and the time of recruitment before and after a lockdown due to the COVID pandemic with subgroup analyses by baseline frailty index. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTINGS AND PARTICIPANTS We analyzed data from a de-prescribing trial of older adults (>65 years) previously conducted in New Zealand that was focused on reducing the Drug Burden Index (DBI). METHODS We used the anticholinergic cognitive burden (ACB) to quantify the impact of the intervention on reducing the anticholinergic burden. Participants not taking anticholinergics at the start of the trial were excluded. The primary outcome for this subgroup analysis was a change in ACB, measured with the ĝHedges statistic describing the difference in standard deviation units of this change between intervention and control. For this analysis, the trial participants were stratified into low, medium, and high frailty and timing into prior- and post-lockdown (public health measures for COVID-19). RESULTS Among the 295 participants in this analysis, the median (IQR) age was 79 (74, 85), and 67% were women. For the primary outcome ĝHedges = -0.04 (95% CI -0.26 to 0.19) with a -0.23 mean reduction in ACB in the intervention arm and -0.19 in the control arm. Before lockdown ĝHedges = -0.38 (95% CI -0.84 to 0.04) and post-lockdown ĝHedges = 0.07 (95% CI -0.19 to 0.33). The mean change in ACB for each of the frailty strata was as follows: low frailty (-0.02; 95% CI -0.65 to 0.18); medium frailty (0.05; 95% CI -0.28 to 0.38); high frailty (0.08; 95% CI -0.40 to 0.56). CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS The study did not provide evidence for the effect of pharmacist deprescribing intervention on reducing the anticholinergic burden. However, this post hoc analysis examined the impact of COVID on the effectiveness of the intervention, and further research in this area may be warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Prasad S Nishtala
- Centre for Therapeutic Innovation, Department of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Bath, United Kingdom.
| | - John W Pickering
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ulrich Bergler
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Dee Mangin
- University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, Northern Clinical School, Kolling Institute, University of Sydney and Royal North Shore Hospital, St Leonards, Australia
| | - Hamish Jamieson
- Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand; Burwood Hospital, Christchurch, New Zealand
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14
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Laura Ward M, Cooper SA, Henderson A, Stanley B, Greenlaw N, Pacitti C, Cairns D. A study on prescriptions contributing to the risk of high anticholinergic burden in adults with intellectual disabilities: retrospective record linkage study. Ann Gen Psychiatry 2022; 21:41. [PMID: 36309752 PMCID: PMC9617313 DOI: 10.1186/s12991-022-00418-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with intellectual disabilities may face a disproportionate risk of experiencing high anticholinergic burden, and its negative sequalae, from a range of medications, and at younger ages than the general population, but there has been little previous study. Our aim was to determine the source of anticholinergic burden from prescribed medication. METHODS Retrospective matched observational study using record linkage. Adults with (n = 4,305), and without (n = 12,915), intellectual disabilities matched by age-, sex- and neighbourhood deprivation. The main outcome measure was the prescription of long-term (approximately 12 months use) anticholinergic medications overall (classified according to the Anticholinergic Risk Scale [ARS]), by drug class, individual drugs, and polypharmacy. RESULTS Adults with n = 1,654 (38.4%), and without n = 3,047 (23.6%), intellectual disabilities were prescribed medications long-term with anticholinergic effects. Of those on such drugs, adults with intellectual disabilities were most likely to be on central nervous system (62.6%), gastrointestinal (46.7%), and cardiovascular (28.4%) medications. They were prescribed more central nervous system, gynaecological/urinary tract, musculoskeletal, and respiratory medications, and less cardiovascular, infection, and endocrine medications than their matched comparators. Regardless of age, sex, or neighbourhood deprivation, adults with intellectual disabilities had greater odds of being prescribed antipsychotics (OR = 5.37 [4.40-6.57], p < 0.001), antiepileptics (OR = 2.57 [2.22-2.99], p < 0.001), and anxiolytics/hypnotics (OR = 1.28 [1.06-1.56], p = 0.012). Compared to the general population, adults with intellectual disabilities were more likely to be exposed to overall anticholinergic polypharmacy (OR = 1.48 [1.33-1.66], p < 0.001), and to psychotropic polypharmacy (OR = 2.79 [2.41-3.23], p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Adults with intellectual disabilities are exposed to a greater risk of having very high anticholinergic burden through polypharmacy from several classes of medications, which may be prescribed by several different prescribers. There is a need for evidence-based recommendations specifically about people with intellectual disabilities with multiple physical and mental ill-health conditions to optimise medication use, reduce inappropriate prescribing and adverse anticholinergic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- McKernan Laura Ward
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0XH, Scotland
| | - Sally-Ann Cooper
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0XH, Scotland
| | - Angela Henderson
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0XH, Scotland
| | - Bethany Stanley
- Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QW, Scotland
| | - Nicola Greenlaw
- Robertson Centre for Biostatistics, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 8QW, Scotland
| | - Christine Pacitti
- Greater Glasgow & Clyde NHS, Leverndale Hospital, Glasgow, G53 7TU, Scotland
| | - Deborah Cairns
- Institute of Health and Wellbeing, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, G12 0XH, Scotland.
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15
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Trenaman SC, Kennie-Kaulbach N, d'Entremont-MacVicar E, Isenor JE, Goodine C, Jarrett P, Andrew MK. Implementation of pharmacist-led deprescribing in collaborative primary care settings. Int J Clin Pharm 2022; 44:1216-1221. [PMID: 35794285 PMCID: PMC9261167 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-022-01449-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
In many jurisdictions pharmacists share prescribing responsibilities with other members of the primary care team. Responsibility for deprescribing, the healthcare professional supervised withdrawal of medications that are no longer needed, has not been assumed by a specific member of the primary care team. In this commentary we describe implementation of pharmacist-led deprescribing in collaborative primary care settings using the seven components of knowledge translation. Patient and stakeholder engagement shaped the deprescribing intervention. The intervention was implemented in three collaborative primary care clinics in two Canadian provinces. The evaluation included measures of medication appropriateness, patient satisfaction, and healthcare professional satisfaction. Pharmacist-led deprescribing in primary care was acceptable to both patients and healthcare professionals and demonstrated a reduction of medications deemed to confer more risk than benefit. Our findings support successes in pharmacist-led deprescribing. Future work is needed to understand how to successfully implement and evaluate pharmacist-led deprescribing more widely.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna C Trenaman
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), Dalhousie University, Veterans Memorial Building, 5955 Veterans Memorial Lane, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E1, Canada.
- Geriatric Medicine Research, Dalhousie University / Nova Scotia Health Authority, 1427-5955 Veterans' Memorial Lane, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E1, Canada.
| | - Natalie Kennie-Kaulbach
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, 5968 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
| | | | - Jennifer E Isenor
- College of Pharmacy, Faculty of Health, Dalhousie University, 5968 College Street, PO Box 15000, Halifax, NS, B3H 4R2, Canada
- Department of Community Health and Epidemiology, Centre for Clinical Research, 5790 University Avenue, Halifax, NS, B3H 1V7, Canada
| | - Carole Goodine
- Horizon Health Network, Doctor Everett Chalmers Hospital, 700 Priestman Street, PO Box 9000, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5N5, Canada
| | - Pamela Jarrett
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), Dalhousie University, Veterans Memorial Building, 5955 Veterans Memorial Lane, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E1, Canada
- Horizon Health Network, 400 University Avenue, PO Box 2100, Saint John, NB, E2L 4L2, Canada
| | - Melissa K Andrew
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), Dalhousie University, Veterans Memorial Building, 5955 Veterans Memorial Lane, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E1, Canada
- Geriatric Medicine Research, Dalhousie University / Nova Scotia Health Authority, 1427-5955 Veterans' Memorial Lane, Halifax, NS, B3H 2E1, Canada
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16
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Evaluating the Effectiveness of the Computer-Based Education Platform, Pharmacy5in5, on Pharmacists’ Knowledge of Anticholinergic Toxicity Using a Randomized Controlled Trial. PHARMACY 2022; 10:pharmacy10010008. [PMID: 35076604 PMCID: PMC8788520 DOI: 10.3390/pharmacy10010008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Computer-based education has been widely implemented in healthcare professional development education. However, there has been little examination of the potential for computer-based education to enhance pharmacists’ knowledge. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of computer-based education on improving pharmacists’ knowledge compared to printed education material. Methods: This study was a web-based randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly allocated to either an intervention group where they had access to the computer-based education module on Pharmacy5in5.ca or to a control group where they had access to printed educational material. Knowledge gain was assessed using a pre- and post-knowledge test. Results: A total of 120 pharmacists were recruited and 101 completed the post-knowledge test (50/60 in the intervention group; 51/60 in the control group). Both groups showed a significant increase in knowledge gain (intervention group: pre-test mean score 19.35 ± 3.56, post-test mean score 22.42 ± 3.812, p value < 0.001; control group pre-test mean score 19.22 ± 3.45, post-test mean score 23.29 ± 3.087, p value < 0.001). However, the difference in knowledge change was not significant between the two groups (22.42 vs. 23.29, p value = 0.333). Conclusions: In this study, a computer-based education module enhanced pharmacists’ knowledge to a similar degree to printed education material. Efforts should be made to provide computer-based education as an option to support pharmacists’ professional development.
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