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Robinson M, Vangaveti V, Edelman A, Mallett AJ. Active deprescribing attitudes and practices in a large regional tertiary health service: a mixed methods study. Intern Med J 2024. [PMID: 39221918 DOI: 10.1111/imj.16512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/04/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
In this pilot study, we explored current attitudes and deprescribing practices of clinicians in a large regional health service through a mixed methods approach. Respondents included doctors, pharmacists and nurse practitioners, who outlined three themes including professional and organisational contexts, disconnect between goals and practices and factors influencing deprescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Robinson
- Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Venkat Vangaveti
- Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
| | - Alexandra Edelman
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Menzies School of Health Research, Alice Springs, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Andrew J Mallett
- Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Townsville University Hospital, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Kassis A, Moles R, Carter S. Stakeholders' perspectives and experiences of the pharmacist's role in deprescribing in ambulatory care: A qualitative meta-synthesis. Res Social Adm Pharm 2024; 20:697-712. [PMID: 38685144 DOI: 10.1016/j.sapharm.2024.04.014] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deprescribing is an effective strategy to manage polypharmacy and improve patient outcomes. The notion of a potential role for pharmacists in a multidisciplinary team approach to deprescribing has been identified in quantitative and qualitative literature. However, stakeholders' perceptions of this role, and factors that may impede or facilitate the pharmacist's involvement have not been elucidated. The application in ambulatory care also requires clarification. Understanding stakeholders' views is essential to optimise involvement of the pharmacist in deprescribing and improve practice. OBJECTIVES First, to synthesize the perspectives and experiences of stakeholders (primary care providers, pharmacists, patients, and carers) regarding the role and involvement of the pharmacist in deprescribing in ambulatory care settings. Second, to identify barriers and strategies to enhancing pharmacist involvement in deprescribing. METHODS A systematic search was conducted across CINAHL, Embase, Medline, and Scopus from database inception to April 2023 for qualitative studies in English exploring the pharmacist's role in deprescribing. Data were extracted for iterative and inductive development of themes. A meta-synthesis facilitated the identification of overarching themes. Qualitative secondary analysis enabled identification of barriers and facilitators to the pharmacist's involvement in deprescribing. RESULTS From 285 articles identified, 9 studies were included which explored the views of general practitioners, specialist physicians, pharmacists, nurse practitioners, patients, carers, and general practice and clinic staff as stakeholders in deprescribing in ambulatory care. The meta-synthesis identified 4 over-arching themes: (1) therapeutic impetus and the status quo mentality, (2) role and responsibility, (3) multidisciplinary care, and (4) conflicting interests in pharmacy practice. Strategies to enhance pharmacists' involvement in deprescribing emerged from the data, and the pharmacist's role was strongly encouraged by stakeholders despite logistical and perceptual barriers identified. CONCLUSIONS Incorporation of the strategies to enhance the pharmacist's involvement in deprescribing identified in this review is encouraged to optimise patient-centred care and improve practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kassis
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
| | - Rebekah Moles
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Stephen Carter
- Sydney Pharmacy School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Turner JP, Newport K, McEvoy AM, Smith T, Tannenbaum C, Kelly DV. Strategies to guide the successful implementation of deprescribing in community practice: Lessons learned from the front line. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2024; 157:133-142. [PMID: 38737354 PMCID: PMC11086729 DOI: 10.1177/17151635241240737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Background Sustainable implementation of new professional services into clinical practice can be difficult. In 2019, a population-wide initiative called SaferMedsNL was implemented across the province of Newfoundland and Labrador (NL), to promote appropriate medication use. Two evidence-based interventions were adapted to the context of NL to promote deprescribing of proton pump inhibitors and sedatives. The objective of this study was to identify and prioritize which actions supported the implementation of deprescribing in community practice for pharmacists, physicians and nurse practitioners across the province. Methods Community pharmacists, physicians and nurse practitioners were invited to participate in virtual focus groups. Nominal Group Technique was used to elicit responses to the question: "What actions support the implementation of deprescribing into the daily workflow of your practice?" Participants prioritized actions within each group while thematic analysis permitted comparison across groups. Results Five focus groups were held in fall 2020 involving pharmacists (n = 11), physicians (n = 7) and nurse practitioners (n = 4). Participants worked in rural (n = 10) and urban (n = 12) settings. The different groups agreed on what the top 5 actions were, with the top 5 receiving 68% of the scores: (1) providing patient education, (2) allocating time and resources, (3) building interprofessional collaboration and communication, (4) fostering patient relationships and (5) aligning with public awareness strategies. Conclusion Pharmacists, physicians and nurse practitioners identified similar actions that supported implementing evidence-based deprescribing into routine clinical practice. Sharing these strategies may help others embed deprescribing into daily practice and assist the uptake of medication appropriateness initiatives by front-line providers. Can Pharm J (Ott) 2024;157:xx-xx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin P. Turner
- Centre for Medicines Use and Safety, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; the Faculty of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Université de Montréal, Québec; the Centre de recherche, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Québec; the Faculté de Pharmacie, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
| | - Kelda Newport
- Laval Université, Québec; and the School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
| | - Aisling M. McEvoy
- Centre for Medicines Use and Safety, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
| | - Tara Smith
- Laval Université, Québec; and the School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
| | - Cara Tannenbaum
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Victoria, Australia; the Faculty of Pharmacy and Medicine, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
- Université de Montréal, Québec; the Centre de recherche, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
| | - Deborah V. Kelly
- Laval Université, Québec; and the School of Pharmacy, Memorial University of Newfoundland, Newfoundland and Labrador
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Robinson M, Mokrzecki S, Mallett AJ. Attitudes and barriers towards deprescribing in older patients experiencing polypharmacy: a narrative review. NPJ AGING 2024; 10:6. [PMID: 38263176 PMCID: PMC10806180 DOI: 10.1038/s41514-023-00132-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
Polypharmacy, commonly defined as ≥5 medications, is a rising public health concern due to its many risks of harm. One commonly recommended strategy to address polypharmacy is medication reviews, with subsequent deprescription of inappropriate medications. In this review, we explore the intersection of older age, polypharmacy, and deprescribing in a contemporary context by appraising the published literature (2012-2022) to identify articles that included new primary data on deprescribing medications in patients aged ≥65 years currently taking ≥5 medications. We found 31 articles were found which describe the current perceptions of clinicians towards deprescribing, the identified barriers, key enabling factors, and future directions in approaching deprescribing. Currently, clinicians believe that deprescribing is a complex process, and despite the majority of clinicians reporting feeling comfortable in deprescribing, fewer engage with this process regularly. Common barriers cited include a lack of knowledge and training around the deprescribing process, a lack of time, a breakdown in communication, perceived 'abandonment of care', fear of adverse consequences, and resistance from patients and/or their carers. Common enabling factors of deprescribing include recognition of key opportunities to instigate this process, regular medication reviews, improving lines of communication, education of both patients and clinicians and a multidisciplinary approach towards patient care. Addressing polypharmacy requires a nuanced approach in a generally complex group of patients. Key strategies to reducing the risks of polypharmacy include education of patients and clinicians, in addition to improving communication between healthcare providers in a multidisciplinary approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Robinson
- Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Townsville University Hospital, Douglas, QLD, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD, Australia
| | - Sophie Mokrzecki
- Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Townsville University Hospital, Douglas, QLD, Australia
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD, Australia
- Department of Pharmacy, Townsville University Hospital, Douglas, QLD, Australia
| | - Andrew J Mallett
- Townsville Institute of Health Research and Innovation, Townsville University Hospital, Douglas, QLD, Australia.
- College of Medicine and Dentistry, James Cook University, Douglas, QLD, Australia.
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
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Norton JD, Zeng C, Bayliss EA, Shetterly SM, Williams N, Reeve E, Wynia MK, Green AR, Drace ML, Gleason KS, Sheehan OC, Boyd CM. Ethical Aspects of Physician Decision-Making for Deprescribing Among Older Adults With Dementia. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2336728. [PMID: 37787993 PMCID: PMC10548310 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.36728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Physicians endorse deprescribing of risky or unnecessary medications for older adults (aged ≥65 years) with dementia, but there is a lack of information on what influences decisions to deprescribe in this population. Objective To understand how physicians make decisions to deprescribe for older adults with moderate dementia and ethical and pragmatic concerns influencing those decisions. Design, Setting, and Participants A cross-sectional national mailed survey study of a random sample of 3000 primary care physicians from the American Medical Association Physician Masterfile who care for older adults was conducted from January 15 to December 31, 2021. Main Outcomes and Measures The study randomized participants to consider 2 clinical scenarios in which a physician may decide to deprescribe a medication for older adults with moderate dementia: 1 in which the medication could cause an adverse drug event if continued and the other in which there is no evidence of benefit. Participants ranked 9 factors related to possible ethical and pragmatic concerns through best-worst scaling methods (from greatest barrier to smallest barrier to deprescribing). Conditional logit regression quantified the relative importance for each factor as a barrier to deprescribing. Results A total of 890 physicians (35.0%) returned surveys; 511 (57.4%) were male, and the mean (SD) years since graduation was 26.0 (11.7). Most physicians had a primary specialty in family practice (50.4% [449 of 890]) and internal medicine (43.5% [387 of 890]). A total of 689 surveys were sufficiently complete to analyze. In both clinical scenarios, the 2 greatest barriers to deprescribing were (1) the patient or family reporting symptomatic benefit from the medication (beneficence and autonomy) and (2) the medication having been prescribed by another physician (autonomy and nonmaleficence). The least influential factor was ease of paying for the medication (justice). Conclusions and Relevance Findings from this national survey study of primary care physicians suggests that understanding ethical aspects of physician decision-making can inform clinician education about medication management and deprescribing decisions for older adults with moderate dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chan Zeng
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora
| | - Elizabeth A. Bayliss
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
| | | | - Nicole Williams
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Emily Reeve
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia
| | - Matthew K. Wynia
- University of Colorado Center for Bioethics and Humanities, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora
- Department of Health Policy and Management, Colorado School of Public Health, Aurora
| | - Ariel R. Green
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Melanie L. Drace
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora
| | - Kathy S. Gleason
- Institute for Health Research, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora
| | | | - Cynthia M. Boyd
- Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
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Radcliffe E, Servin R, Cox N, Lim S, Tan QY, Howard C, Sheikh C, Rutter P, Latter S, Lown M, Brad L, Fraser SDS, Bradbury K, Roberts HC, Saucedo AR, Ibrahim K. What makes a multidisciplinary medication review and deprescribing intervention for older people work well in primary care? A realist review and synthesis. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:591. [PMID: 37743469 PMCID: PMC10519081 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04256-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A third of older people take five or more regular medications (polypharmacy). Conducting medication reviews in primary care is key to identify and reduce/ stop inappropriate medications (deprescribing). Recent recommendations for effective deprescribing include shared-decision making and a multidisciplinary approach. Our aim was to understand when, why, and how interventions for medication review and deprescribing in primary care involving multidisciplinary teams (MDTs) work (or do not work) for older people. METHODS A realist synthesis following the Realist And Meta-narrative Evidence Syntheses: Evolving Standards guidelines was completed. A scoping literature review informed the generation of an initial programme theory. Systematic searches of different databases were conducted, and documents screened for eligibility, with data extracted based on a Context, Mechanisms, Outcome (CMO) configuration to develop further our programme theory. Documents were appraised based on assessments of relevance and rigour. A Stakeholder consultation with 26 primary care health care professionals (HCPs), 10 patients and three informal carers was conducted to test and refine the programme theory. Data synthesis was underpinned by Normalisation Process Theory to identify key mechanisms to enhance the implementation of MDT medication review and deprescribing in primary care. FINDINGS A total of 2821 abstracts and 175 full-text documents were assessed for eligibility, with 28 included. Analysis of documents alongside stakeholder consultation outlined 33 CMO configurations categorised under four themes: 1) HCPs roles, responsibilities and relationships; 2) HCPs training and education; 3) the format and process of the medication review 4) involvement and education of patients and informal carers. A number of key mechanisms were identified including clearly defined roles and good communication between MDT members, integration of pharmacists in the team, simulation-based training or team building training, targeting high-risk patients, using deprescribing tools and drawing on expertise of other HCPs (e.g., nurses and frailty practitioners), involving patents and carers in the process, starting with 'quick wins', offering deprescribing as 'drug holidays', and ensuring appropriate and tailored follow-up plans that allow continuity of care and management. CONCLUSION We identified key mechanisms that could inform the design of future interventions and services that successfully embed deprescribing in primary care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloise Radcliffe
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK.
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - Renée Servin
- Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College London, South Kensington Campus, London, UK
| | - Natalie Cox
- Academic Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Stephen Lim
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Academic Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Qian Yue Tan
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Academic Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Clare Howard
- Wessex Academic Health Science Network, Science Park, Chilworth, Southampton, UK
| | - Claire Sheikh
- Hampshire and Isle of Wight Integrated Care Board, Southampton, UK
| | - Paul Rutter
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, Portsmouth University, Portsmouth, UK
| | - Sue Latter
- School of Health Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Mark Lown
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK
| | - Lawrence Brad
- Westbourne Medical Centre, Westbourne, Bournemouth, UK
| | - Simon D S Fraser
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Katherine Bradbury
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Helen C Roberts
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Academic Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- NIHR Southampton Biomedical Research Centre, University Hospital Southampton Foundation Trust, Southampton, UK
| | - Alejandra Recio Saucedo
- School of Healthcare Enterprise and Innovation, Trials and Studies Coordinating Centre, National Institute of Health Research Evaluation, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Kinda Ibrahim
- School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Aldermoor Health Centre, Aldermoor Close, Southampton, SO16 5ST, UK
- NIHR Applied Research Collaboration ARC Wessex, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
- Academic Geriatric Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
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Christopher CM, Loong MCW, Blebil AQ, Bhuvan KC, Alex D, Ibrahim MIM, Ismail N. Helping Older Adults With Their Medication Use Problems: A Qualitative Study on Perspectives and Challenges of Primary Health Care Providers. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 111:105007. [DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2023] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/29/2023]
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Heinrich CH, McHugh S, McCarthy S, Donovan MD. Barriers and enablers to deprescribing in long-term care: A qualitative investigation into the opinions of healthcare professionals in Ireland. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0274552. [PMID: 36520798 PMCID: PMC9754218 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0274552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The prevalence of polypharmacy increases with age, increasing the exposure of older adults to potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Deprescribing has been shown to reduce PIMs for older residents in long-term care; however, deprescribing is not universally implemented. This study aims to identify the barriers and enablers to deprescribing in Irish long-term care facilities from the healthcare professionals' (HCPs) perspective. METHODS A qualitative descriptive approach was conducted using semi-structured interviews with HCPs working in long-term care (general practitioners, pharmacists and nurses). Purposive sampling with maximum variation was applied to select long-term care sites to identify HCPs, supplemented with convenience sampling of post-graduate HCPs from University College Cork. Data was thematically analysed and mapped to a framework of deprescribing barriers and enablers informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework. RESULTS Twenty-six HCPs participated from 13 long-term care facilities. The main barriers and enablers identified mapped to five domains. Barriers included insufficient resources, lack of co-ordination between healthcare settings and negative social influences. Additional barriers exist in private settings including deprescribing awareness, commitment and the need for incentives. Deprescribing enablers included interprofessional support and patient social influence. To encourage deprescribing, potential enablers include HCP education, pharmacist role expansion and tailored deprescribing guidelines within a structured process. CONCLUSION Interventions to support deprescribing should build on existing systems, involve stakeholders and utilise guidelines within a structured process. Any intervention must account for the nuanced barriers and enablers which exist in both public and private settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara H. Heinrich
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland
- * E-mail:
| | - Sheena McHugh
- School of Public Health, University College Cork, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Suzanne McCarthy
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland
| | - Maria D. Donovan
- School of Pharmacy, University College Cork, Cork City, Co. Cork, Ireland
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Hassan D, Versmissen J, Hek K, van Dijk L, van den Bemt PMLA. Feasibility of a protocol for deprescribing antihypertensive medication in older patients in Dutch general practices. BMC PRIMARY CARE 2022; 23:280. [PMID: 36352363 PMCID: PMC9644553 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-022-01894-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older patients using antihypertensive medication may experience Adverse Drug Events (ADEs), and thus benefit from deprescribing. The lack of a practical protocol may hamper deprescribing. Therefore, we aimed to develop a deprescribing protocol, based on a review of literature, combined with a feasibility test in a small number of patients. METHODS A deprescribing protocol for general practitioners was drafted and tested in older patients using multiple antihypertensive medication in a single arm intervention. Patients were included if they were 75 years or older, were using two or more antihypertensives, had at least one ADE linked to antihypertensive medication and deprescribing was considered to be safe by their general practitioner. The primary outcome was the percentage of patients for whom one or more antihypertensive drugs were stopped or reduced in dose after 12 months of follow up while maintaining safe blood pressures. Secondary outcomes were the proportion of patients reporting no ADEs after 12 months and the number of deprescribed antihypertensives. Patient's opinions on deprescribing and enablers and barriers for study participation were also collected. RESULTS Nine general practitioners included 14 patients to deprescribe antihypertensive medication using the deprescribing protocol. After 12 months antihypertensive drug use was lowered in 11 patients (79%). These patients had a mean systolic blood pressure increase of 16 mmHg and a mean diastolic blood pressure increase of 8 mmHg. Nine patients (64%) reported experiencing no ADEs anymore after twelve months. The mean number of deprescribed antihypertensives was 1.1 in all patients and 1.4 (range: 0.5 to 3.5) in patients who successfully lowered their medication. At baseline, being able to use less medication was the most frequently mentioned enabler to participate in this study. The most frequently mentioned positive experience at the end of the study was using less medication, which was in line with the most mentioned enabler to participate in this study. CONCLUSION A protocol for deprescribing antihypertensives in older patients was considered feasible, as it resulted in a substantial degree of safe deprescribing in this pilot study. Larger studies are needed to demonstrate the effect and safety of deprescribing antihypertensives in older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimokrat Hassan
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbus 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Jorie Versmissen
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbus 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karin Hek
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Liset van Dijk
- Nivel, Netherlands Institute for Health Services Research, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Unit of PharmacoTherapy, Epidemiology & Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Patricia M L A van den Bemt
- Department of Hospital Pharmacy, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbus 2040, 3000 CA, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
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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: 0.5] [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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