1
|
Liau SJ, Zhao M, Hamada S, Gutiérrez-Valencia M, Jadczak AD, Li L, Martínez-Velilla N, Sakata N, Fu P, Visvanathan R, Lalic S, Roncal-Belzunce V, Bell JS. Deprescribing Opportunities for Frail Residents of Nursing Homes: A Multicenter Study in Australia, China, Japan, and Spain. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:876-883. [PMID: 38423513 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.01.015] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Deprescribing opportunities may differ across health care systems, nursing home settings, and prescribing cultures. The objective of this study was to compare the prevalence of STOPPFrail medications according to frailty status among residents of nursing homes in Australia, China, Japan, and Spain. DESIGN Secondary cross-sectional analyses of data from 4 cohort studies. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS A total of 1142 residents in 31 nursing homes. METHODS Medication data were extracted from resident records. Frailty was assessed using the FRAIL-NH scale (non-frail 0-2; frail 3-6; most-frail 7-14). Chi-square tests and prevalence ratios (PRs) were used to compare STOPPFrail medication use across cohorts. RESULTS In total, 84.7% of non-frail, 95.6% of frail, and 90.6% of most-frail residents received ≥1 STOPPFrail medication. Overall, the most prevalent STOPPFrail medications were antihypertensives (53.0% in China to 73.3% in Australia, P < .001), vitamin D (nil in China to 52.7% in Australia, P < .001), lipid-lowering therapies (11.1% in Japan to 38.9% in Australia, P < .001), aspirin (13.5% in Japan to 26.2% in China, P < .001), proton pump inhibitors (2.1% in Japan to 32.0% in Australia, P < .001), and antidiabetic medications (12.3% in Japan to 23.5% in China, P = .010). Overall use of antihypertensives (PR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.06-1.25), lipid-lowering therapies (PR, 1.78; 95% CI, 1.45-2.18), aspirin (PR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.04-1.64), and antidiabetic medications (PR, 1.31; 95% CI, 1.00-1.72) were more prevalent among non-frail and frail residents compared with most-frail residents. Antihypertensive use was more prevalent with increasing frailty in China and Japan, but less prevalent with increasing frailty in Australia. Antidiabetic medication use was less prevalent with increasing frailty in China and Spain but was consistent across frailty groups in Australia and Japan. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS There were overall and frailty-specific variations in prevalence of different STOPPFrail medications across cohorts. This may reflect differences in prescribing cultures, application of clinical practice guidelines in the nursing home setting, and clinician or resident attitudes toward deprescribing.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shin J Liau
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
| | - Meng Zhao
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Shota Hamada
- Research Department, Institute for Health Economics and Policy, Association for Health Economics Research and Social Insurance and Welfare, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Home Care Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan; Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan
| | - Marta Gutiérrez-Valencia
- Unit of Innovation and Organization, Navarre Health Service, Pamplona, Navarre, Spain; Navarre Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
| | - 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; Aged and Extended Care Services and the Basil Hetzel Institute, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Li Li
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Nicolás Martínez-Velilla
- Navarre Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarre, Spain; Navarrabiomed, Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Navarre, Spain; Department of Geriatrics, Hospital Universitario de Navarra (HUN), Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
| | - Nobuo Sakata
- Department of Health Services Research, Institute of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Tsukuba, Japan; Heisei Medical Welfare Group Research Institute, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Peipei Fu
- Centre for Health Management and Policy Research, School of Public Health, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - 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 and the Basil Hetzel Institute, The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Samanta Lalic
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Pharmacy Department, Monash Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Victoria Roncal-Belzunce
- Navarre Institute for Health Research (IdiSNA), Pamplona, Navarre, Spain; Navarrabiomed, Public University of Navarra (UPNA), Pamplona, Navarre, Spain
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Poorcheraghi H, Negarandeh R, Pashaeypoor S, Jorian J. Effect of using a mobile drug management application on medication adherence and hospital readmission among elderly patients with polypharmacy: a randomized controlled trial. BMC Health Serv Res 2023; 23:1192. [PMID: 37919712 PMCID: PMC10621100 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-023-10177-4] [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: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/04/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adherence to complex drug regimens and polypharmacy are among the challenges of old age, which may negatively affect their motivation to continue drug therapy or lead to incorrect drug consumption. The present study was conducted to evaluate the effect of using a mobile drug management application on medication adherence and hospital readmission among polypharmacy older adults. METHODS In this randomized controlled trial study conducted in 2022, with Trial Registration Number (IRCT20191231045966N1) (18/07/2021), 192 Iranian older adults with polypharmacy were selected according to the inclusion criteria and allocated to case and control groups using the block randomization method. The data collection tools included a demographic questionnaire, case report form, and Morisky Medication Adherence Scale. The intervention was done using a mobile drug management application. Drug adherence was measured at baseline and both with hospital readmission were measured after 8 weeks. The collected data were entered into the SPSS software version 22 and analyzed using descriptive (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and inferential (Chi-square, Fisher's exact test, independent t-test) statistics. RESULTS The case and control groups were homogeneous in terms of demographic variables and drug adherence level before the intervention. A significant difference was found in the drug adherence level after using the app (p < 0.001). Moreover, a significant difference was found in adverse events, including re-hospitalization due to disease aggravation, re-hospitalization due to error in medication consumption, falling, hypo or hypertension, and hypo or hyperglycemia, and medication use accuracy between the groups after the intervention (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION The results showed that using a mobile drug management application that meets the specifications of older adults can improve drug adherence, reduce the adverse events and pave the way for a better disease period management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Poorcheraghi
- Dept. of Community Health and Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Negarandeh
- Nursing and Midwifery Care Research Center, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Shahzad Pashaeypoor
- Dept. of Community Health and Geriatric Nursing, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Javad Jorian
- Dept. of AI, Faculty of Engineering, Mashhad Branch, Islamic Azad University, Mashhad, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ma W, Wang H, Wen Z, Liu L, Zhang X. Potentially inappropriate medication and frailty in older adults: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Arch Gerontol Geriatr 2023; 114:105087. [PMID: 37311369 DOI: 10.1016/j.archger.2023.105087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 06/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to systematically assess existing studies to demonstrate the association between potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) and frailty. DESIGN Systematic review and meta-analysis. METHODS We searched major electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, Embase, CINHAL, PsycInfo, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disk, Weipu, and Wanfang) from their inception until February 25, 2023 (data updated on May 4, 2023), for observational studies investigating PIM and frailty. I2 was used to measure the heterogeneity between studies quantitatively. A random effect model calculated pooled effect size owing to high heterogeneity. Subgroup analysis was conducted to explore sources of heterogeneity. Additionally, the studies' quality was evaluated using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale (a modified Newcastle Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate cross-sectional studies). RESULTS Twenty-four studies were included for systematic review, 14 of which were included in the meta-analysis. After pooling the effect size, the odds ratio with PIM as the dependent variable was 1.12 (95%CI: 1.01-1.25), and that with frailty as the dependent variable was 1.75 (95%CI: 1.25-2.43), indicating a bidirectional association between PIM and frailty. CONCLUSIONS PIM and frailty interact with each other and have a bidirectional association, thus providing additional information for early clinical identification and prevention of frailty, and medication safety management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wenlian Ma
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyan Wang
- Dean Office, Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhifei Wen
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Linfeng Liu
- Dean Office, Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiangeng Zhang
- Dean Office, Sichuan Nursing Vocational College, Chengdu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Zazzara MB, Villani ER, Palmer K, Fialova D, Corsonello A, Soraci L, Fusco D, Cipriani MC, Denkinger M, Onder G, Liperoti R. Frailty modifies the effect of polypharmacy and multimorbidity on the risk of death among nursing home residents: Results from the SHELTER study. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1091246. [PMID: 36817789 PMCID: PMC9929152 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1091246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Frailty, disability, and polypharmacy are prevalent in nursing home (NH) residents, often co-occurring with multimorbidity. There may be a complex interplay among them in terms of outcomes such as mortality. Aims of the study were to (i) assess whether nursing home residents with polypharmacy (5-9 medications) or hyperpolypharmacy (≥10 drugs), have an increased risk of death and (ii) whether any association is modified by the co-presence of frailty or disability. Methods Cohort study with longitudinal mortality data including 4,023 residents from 50 European and 7 Israeli NH facilities (mean age = 83.6 years, 73.2% female) in The Services and Health for Elderly in Long Term care (SHELTER) cohort study. Participants were evaluated with the interRAI-LongTerm Care assessment tool. Frailty was evaluated with the FRAIL-NH scale. Hazard ratio (HR) of death over 12 months was assessed with stratified Cox proportional hazards models adjusted for demographics, facilities, and cognitive status. Results 1,042 (25.9%) participants were not on polypharmacy, 49.8% (n = 2,002) were on polypharmacy, and 24.3% (n = 979) on hyperpolypharmacy. Frailty and disability mostly increased risk of death in the study population (frailty: HR = 1.85, 95%CI 1.49-2.28; disability: HR = 2.10, 95%CI 1.86-2.47). Among non-frail participants, multimorbidity (HR = 1.34, 95%CI = 1.01-1.82) and hyperpolypharmacy (HR = 1.61, 95%CI = 1.09-2.40) were associated with higher risk of death. Among frail participants, no other factors were associated with mortality. Polypharmacy and multimorbidity were not associated with mortality after stratification for disability. Conclusions Frailty and disability are the strongest predictors of death in NH residents. Multimorbidity and hyperpolypharmacy increase mortality only in people without frailty. These findings may be relevant to identify patients who could benefit from tailored deprescription.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Beatrice Zazzara
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Polo Interdipartimentale Scienze Dell'Invecchiamento, Neuroscienze, Testa-collo ed Ortopedia, Rome, Italy,*Correspondence: Maria Beatrice Zazzara ✉
| | - Emanuele Rocco Villani
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Polo Interdipartimentale Scienze Dell'Invecchiamento, Neuroscienze, Testa-collo ed Ortopedia, Rome, Italy,Emanuele Rocco Villani ✉
| | - Katie Palmer
- Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Polo Interdipartimentale Scienze Dell'Invecchiamento, Neuroscienze, Testa-collo ed Ortopedia, Rome, Italy
| | - Daniela Fialova
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Andrea Corsonello
- Unit of Geriatric Medicine, IRCCS INRCA (Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura Anziani), Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Terapia Medica, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Luca Soraci
- Unit of Geriatric Medicine, IRCCS INRCA (Istituto Nazionale Ricovero e Cura Anziani), Dipartimento di Medicina Interna e Terapia Medica, Cosenza, Italy
| | - Domenico Fusco
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Polo Interdipartimentale Scienze Dell'Invecchiamento, Neuroscienze, Testa-collo ed Ortopedia, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Camilla Cipriani
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Polo Interdipartimentale Scienze Dell'Invecchiamento, Neuroscienze, Testa-collo ed Ortopedia, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael Denkinger
- AGAPLESION Bethesda Ulm, Geriatric Research Ulm University and Geriatric Center Ulm/Alb Donau, Ulm, Germany
| | - Graziano Onder
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Polo Interdipartimentale Scienze Dell'Invecchiamento, Neuroscienze, Testa-collo ed Ortopedia, Rome, Italy,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Polo Interdipartimentale Scienze Dell'Invecchiamento, Neuroscienze, Testa-collo ed Ortopedia, Rome, Italy
| | - Rosa Liperoti
- Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS (Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico), Polo Interdipartimentale Scienze Dell'Invecchiamento, Neuroscienze, Testa-collo ed Ortopedia, Rome, Italy,Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Polo Interdipartimentale Scienze Dell'Invecchiamento, Neuroscienze, Testa-collo ed Ortopedia, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Kiragga AN, Najjemba L, Galiwango R, Banturaki G, Munyiwra G, Iwumbwe I, Atwine J, Ssendiwala C, Natif A, Nakanjako D. Community purchases of antimicrobials during the COVID-19 pandemic in Uganda: An increased risk for antimicrobial resistance. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 3:e0001579. [PMID: 36963050 PMCID: PMC10021632 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0001579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Self-Medication (SM) involves the utilization of medicines to treat self-recognized symptoms or diseases without consultation and the irrational use of over-the-counter drugs. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the lack of definitive treatment led to increased SM. We aimed to estimate the extent of SM for drugs used to treat COVID-19 symptoms by collecting data from pharmacy sale records. The study was conducted in Kampala, Uganda, where we extracted data from community pharmacies with functional Electronic Health Records between January 2018 and October 2021 to enable a comparison of pre-and post-COVID-19. The data included the number of clients purchasing the following drugs used to treat COVID-19 and its symptoms: Antibiotics included Azithromycin, Erythromycin, and Ciprofloxacin; Supplements included Zinc and vitamin C, while Corticosteroids included dexamethasone. A negative binomial model was used to estimate the incident rate ratios for each drug to compare the effect of COVID-19 on SM. In the pre- COVID-19 period (1st January 2018 to 11th March 2020), 19,285 customers purchased antibiotics which included; Azithromycin (n = 6077), Ciprofloxacin (n = 6066) and Erythromycin (n = 997); health supplements including Vitamin C (430) and Zinc (n = 138); and Corticosteroid including Dexamethasone (n = 5577). During the COVID-19 pandemic (from 15th March 2020 to the data extraction date in October 2021), we observed a 99% increase in clients purchasing the same drugs. The number of clients purchasing Azithromycin increased by 19.7% to 279, Ciprofloxacin reduced by 58.8% to 96 clients, and those buying Erythromycin similarly reduced by 35.8% to 492 clients. In comparison, there were increases of 170%, 181%, and 377% for Vitamin C, Zinc, and Dexamethasone, respectively. The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the extent of SM in Uganda. We recommend future studies with a representation of data from pharmacies located in rural and urban areas to further study pandemics' effect on antimicrobials prescriptions, including obtaining pharmacists' perspectives using mixed methods approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnes N Kiragga
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- African Population and Health Research Center, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - Leticia Najjemba
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Ronald Galiwango
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- African Center of Excellence in Bioinformatics and Data Intensive Sciences, Infectious Diseases Institute, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
- Center for Computational Biology, Uganda Christian University, Mukono, Uganda
| | - Grace Banturaki
- Infectious Diseases Institute, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Identification of Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Frail Older Adults Residing in Long-Term Care: A Retrospective Chart Review Study. Drugs Real World Outcomes 2022; 10:97-106. [PMID: 36436174 PMCID: PMC9943820 DOI: 10.1007/s40801-022-00342-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Deprescribing is associated with positive health outcomes for older adults in long-term care (LTC), however deprescribing is not universally implemented. OBJECTIVE The primary aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) prescribed to frail older adults in Irish long-term care facilities (LTCFs), as identified by the Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in Frail adults with limited life expectancy, version 2 (STOPPFrail v2). METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted in two publicly funded LTCFs in Ireland. Eligible participants were those (1) ≥ 65 years of age; (2) resident in a LTCF; (3) eligible as per the STOPPFrail v2 criteria by the site's Medical Officer; and (4) receiving regular medication. Data collected included age, sex, drug, dose, frequency, regular/pro re nata prescribing and indication/relevant diagnoses. Rates of polypharmacy (taking five or more medications) and excessive polypharmacy (taking 10 or more medications) were calculated. STOPPFrail v2 was used to identify PIMs; however, clinical measurements were not taken. Descriptive and association statistics were calculated. RESULTS Of the 103 residents, 89 were ≥ 65 years of age and categorised as frail and were therefore eligible for inclusion in the study. Of those eligible, 85 (95.5%) had polypharmacy and 57 (64%) experienced excessive polypharmacy. The mean number of regular medications was 10.8 (± 3.8), total medications 17.7 (± 5) and diagnoses 5.5 (± 2.5). The mean number of PIMs per resident was 4.8 (± 2.6). Of the eligible participants, 59.6% had at least one medicine without a documented indication, while 61.8%, 42.7% and 30.3% had at least one PIM from the vitamin D, antihypertensives and proton pump inhibitors drug classes, respectively. CONCLUSION Medication and PIM use was high among LTC residents, with inappropriate polypharmacy of concern. Lack of clear indication for prescribing medications appears to be an issue in LTC, potentially affecting healthcare professionals' engagement with deprescribing. The prevalence of PIMs may be overestimated in the antihypertensives/antidiabetic classes due to the lack of clinical measurements.
Collapse
|
7
|
Chae HW, Kim Y, Suh Y, Lee J, Lee E, Lee E, Choi JY, Kim KI, Lee JY. Prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications based on the STOPPFrail criteria in frail older patients with limited life expectancy: a cross-sectional study. BMC Geriatr 2022; 22:367. [PMID: 35477358 PMCID: PMC9044865 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-022-03067-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The recently developed Screening Tool of Older Persons' Prescriptions in Frail adults with a limited life expectancy (STOPPFrail) criteria can be helpful for screening medications (PIMs), but it is yet to be widely used in clinical practice. Herein, we aimed to investigate the prevalence of PIMs based on the STOPPFrail criteria (STOPPFrail-PIM) among frail older adults with limited life expectancy admitted to the geriatric center. METHODS This was a retrospective cross-sectional study conducted in the geriatric center at an academic tertiary care hospital in Korea. We evaluated frail older adults with limited life expectancy who received comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) admitted between 1 January, 2019 and 30 June, 2020. Frail older adults with limited life expectancy were identified by geriatricians with retrospective records and the prevalence of STOPPFrail-PIMs was analysed by trained pharmacists. Descriptive analysis, t-test, and chi-square test were conducted using IBM SPSS software version 25.0. RESULTS Among 504 older adults who underwent CGA after admission, 171 frail older adults with limited life expectancy were identified by geriatricians and included in the study. An average of 11.3 ± 4.7 medications were administered regularly to each patient before admission. Overall, 97.1% (166/171) had at least one STOPPFrail-PIM, and the mean number of STOPPFrail-PIM was 4.2 ± 2.8. Drugs without clear clinical indication (A2) were the most frequent pre-admission STOPPFrail-PIM, followed by lipid-lowering therapies (B1) and neuroleptic antipsychotics (D1). The number of STOPPFrail-PIM was significantly lower at discharge than that at admission, with the decrease being the highest for A2 at 94.7%. CONCLUSIONS Most frail older adults with limited life expectancy had at least one STOPPFrail-PIM at admission, and the rate of STOPPFrail-PIM decreased significantly at discharge after the geriatric multidisciplinary team care. Further studies are needed to investigate the association between the use of STOPPFrail-PIM and adverse consequences in frail older adults.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyun-Woo Chae
- Department of Pharmacy, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumi-ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonhee Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumi-ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Yewon Suh
- Department of Pharmacy, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumi-ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 13620, Republic of Korea.,College of Pharmacy & Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Junghwa Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumi-ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunsook Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumi-ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Euni Lee
- College of Pharmacy & Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Yeon Choi
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatric Centre, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumi-ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 13620, Republic of Korea
| | - Kwang-Il Kim
- Department of Internal Medicine, Geriatric Centre, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumi-ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 13620, Republic of Korea. .,Department of Internal Medicine, Seoul National University College of Medicine, 103 Daehak-ro, Jongno-gu, Seoul, 03080, Republic of Korea.
| | - Ju-Yeun Lee
- Department of Pharmacy, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, 166 Gumi-ro, Bundang-Gu, Seongnam-Si, Gyeonggi-Do, 13620, Republic of Korea. .,College of Pharmacy & Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, 1 Gwanak-ro, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 08826, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Abstract
Polypharmacy characterizes ongoing prescription of multiple medications in a patient. Following the demographic change and growing number of elderly patients, polypharmacy is of major concern due to the associated risks and even mortality. Many causes made this geriatric syndrome more common in the past decade. First, the management of comorbidities is often lacking in disease-specific guidelines. Second, multimorbidity is rising due to the ageing population. Third, deprescribing methods are sparse, and results are conflicting. This mini review integrates the effects of polypharmacy on mortality and morbidity, the causes and confounders of polypharmacy, and presents a practical stepwise manual of deprescribing. The work is based on a literature search for randomized control trials and reviews in English and German from 2015 onwards in the PubMed database, with integration of relevant citations as a result of this search.
Collapse
|
9
|
Tjia J, Lund JL, Mack DS, Mbrah A, Yuan Y, Chen Q, Osundolire S, McDermott CL. Methodological Challenges for Epidemiologic Studies of Deprescribing at the End of Life. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2021; 8:116-129. [PMID: 34722115 PMCID: PMC8553236 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-021-00264-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review To describe approaches to measuring deprescribing and associated outcomes in studies of patients approaching end of life (EOL). Recent Findings We reviewed studies published through 2020 that evaluated deprescribing in patients with limited life expectancy and approaching EOL. Deprescribing includes reducing the number of medications, decreasing medication dose(s), and eliminating potentially inappropriate medications. Tools such as STOPPFrail, OncPal, and the Unnecessary Drug Use Measure can facilitate deprescribing. Outcome measures vary and selection of measures should align with the operationalized deprescribing definition used by study investigators. Summary EOL deprescribing considerations include medication appropriateness in the context of patient goals for care, expected benefit from medication given life expectancy, and heightened potential for medication-related harm as death nears. Additional data are needed on how EOL deprescribing impacts patient quality of life, caregiver burden, and out-of-pocket medication-related costs to patients and caregivers. Investigators should design deprescribing studies with this information in mind.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Tjia
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Jennifer L Lund
- Department of Epidemiology, UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health, UNC Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Deborah S Mack
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Attah Mbrah
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Yiyang Yuan
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Qiaoxi Chen
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Seun Osundolire
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, University of Massachusetts Medical School, 368 Plantation Street, AS6-2065, Worcester, MA 01605, USA
| | - Cara L McDermott
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jaramillo-Hidalgo J, Lozano-Montoya I, Tornero-Torres O, Tejada-González P, Fuentes-Irigoyen R, Gómez-Pavón FJ. Prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescription in community-dwelling patients with advanced dementia and palliative care needs. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 2021; 56:203-207. [PMID: 34001344 DOI: 10.1016/j.regg.2021.03.001] [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: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 03/10/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To establish the prevalence of potentially inappropriate prescription (PIP) in older people with advanced dementia, monitored by a Geriatric Home Care Unit (GHC), as well as the associated risk factors and costs. METHODS Community-dwelling patients ≥65 years with an advanced dementia diagnosis (GDS-FAST≥7a) and poor 1-year vital prognosis (Frail-VIG≥0.6) were included. Pharmacotherapy history was reviewed retrospectively, collecting functional and cognitive status, on the first GHC visit, of patients assessed January 2016-January 2019. Potentially inappropriate medication was defined following STOPP-Frail criteria. RESULTS 100 patients included (76% women, 89.15±5.8 years). Total medications prescribed 760 (7.63±3.4 drugs per patient). 85% patients were given at least one drug considered to be PIP. 26% (196) of the total drugs registered were PIPs. Patients who were prescribed an inappropriate drug showed a higher number of total prescribed drugs (7.92±3.42 vs 6.00±2.24; p 0.04) and a higher frequency of polypharmacy (84.7% vs 60%; p 0.025). Risk of receiving inappropriate medication increased by 24% for each additional drug prescribed (OR 1.24; 95% CI 1.01-1.52; p 0.04). The costs associated with PIP were 113.99 euros per 100 patients/day; 41,606.35 euros per 100 patients/year. CONCLUSIONS Prescription of PIP to community-dwelling patients with severe dementia and poor vital prognosis is common and is associated with high economic impact in this population group.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Javier Jaramillo-Hidalgo
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio, Av de la Universidad, 1, 28691- Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Isabel Lozano-Montoya
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio, Av de la Universidad, 1, 28691- Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| | - Olga Tornero-Torres
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Pilar Tejada-González
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Raquel Fuentes-Irigoyen
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain
| | - Francisco J Gómez-Pavón
- Servicio de Geriatría, Hospital Central de la Cruz Roja San José y Santa Adela, Av/Reina Victoria, 24, 28003 Madrid, Spain; Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Alfonso X el Sabio, Av de la Universidad, 1, 28691- Villanueva de la Cañada, Madrid, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Curtin D, Gallagher P, O’Mahony D. Deprescribing in older people approaching end-of-life: development and validation of STOPPFrail version 2. Age Ageing 2021; 50:465-471. [PMID: 32997135 DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afaa159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Screening Tool of Older Persons Prescriptions in Frail adults with limited life expectancy (STOPPFrail) criteria were developed in 2017 to assist physicians with deprescribing decisions in older people approaching end-of-life. Updating was required to make the tool more practical, patient-centred and complete. METHODS a thorough literature review was conducted to, first, devise a practical method for identifying older people who are likely to be approaching end-of-life, and second, reassess and update the existing deprescribing criteria. An eight-member panel with a wide-ranging experience in geriatric pharmacotherapy reviewed a new draft of STOPPFrail and were invited to propose new deprescribing criteria. STOPPFrail version 2 was then validated using Delphi consensus methodology. RESULTS STOPPFrail version 2 emphasises the importance of shared decision-making in the deprescribing process. A new method for identifying older people who are likely to be approaching end-of-life is included along with 25 deprescribing criteria. Guidance relating to the deprescribing of antihypertensive therapies, anti-anginal medications and vitamin D preparations comprises the new criteria. CONCLUSIONS STOPPFrail criteria have been updated to assist physicians in efforts to reduce drug-related morbidity and burden for their frailest older patients. Version 2 is based on an up-to-date literature review and consensus validation by a panel of experts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denis Curtin
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University College Cork, Cork T12 DC4A, Ireland
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork T12 DC4A, Ireland
| | - Paul Gallagher
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University College Cork, Cork T12 DC4A, Ireland
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork T12 DC4A, Ireland
| | - Denis O’Mahony
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University College Cork, Cork T12 DC4A, Ireland
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork T12 DC4A, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Li Y, Whelan CM, Husain AF. Deprescribing in the Home Palliative Setting. J Palliat Med 2020; 24:1030-1035. [PMID: 33326319 DOI: 10.1089/jpm.2020.0376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: When patients' goals of care have shifted toward comfort, treatment should focus on alleviating symptoms rather than prolonging life at the expense of comfort. Objective: To determine whether the number of noncomfort medications is associated with deprescribing in patients seen by a home-visiting palliative care physician. Design: Single-centre retrospective chart review of patients cared for in the home setting by a specialty palliative care program to determine factors associated with deprescribing. All medications on initial consult were classified as comfort, possibly for comfort, and definitely not for comfort (DNC). Patients were stratified depending on whether intentional deprescribing occurred. Data were analyzed for associations between deprescribing and other variables: number and proportion of DNC medications, diagnosis, palliative performance scale (PPS), number of encounters, code status, preferred place of death, and time to death. Setting: Study population included 80 patients followed by specialist home-visiting palliative physicians in a tertiary center. Inclusion criteria were adult patients with PPS ≤60%, initially seen by a home-visiting palliative physician between 2016 and 2018 and followed for at least 60 days or until death. Results: Deprescribing occurred in 44% of study patients within 60 days. Median number of DNC medications was 3 in the deprescribed group and 0 in the nondeprescribed group (p < 0.001). Proportion of DNC medications was 29% in the deprescribed group and 15% in the nondeprescribed group (p < 0.01). Conclusions: Deprescribing is associated with an increased number and proportion of DNC medications at the time of initial in-home palliative assessment. Deprescribing rates varied greatly between different home-visiting palliative providers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yifan Li
- Department of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Ciara M Whelan
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care, Sinai Health Division of Palliative Care, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amna F Husain
- Temmy Latner Centre for Palliative Care Lunenfeld Tanenbaum Research Institute, Sinai Health Division of Palliative Care, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fournier A, Anrys P, Beuscart JB, Dalleur O, Henrard S, Foulon V, Spinewine A. Use and Deprescribing of Potentially Inappropriate Medications in Frail Nursing Home Residents. Drugs Aging 2020; 37:917-924. [PMID: 33047252 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-020-00805-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The STOPPFrail criteria were developed to assist physicians in deprescribing medications among frail patients approaching end of life. We aimed to measure the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) and to describe changes over time, using STOPPFrail, in frail nursing home residents (NHRs) with limited life expectancy included in a medication review trial. METHODS We conducted a post-hoc analysis of the COME-ON study, a cluster-controlled trial that evaluated the effect of a complex intervention on appropriateness of prescribing in Belgian nursing homes. We identified NHRs eligible for the application of STOPPFrail based on functional status, comorbidities, level of care and survival. PIM use was measured at baseline and at 8 months. Changes over time were compared in the control group (CG) and intervention group (IG). RESULTS At baseline, 308 NHRs met the STOPPFrail eligibility criteria, of whom 196 (64.1%) had one or more PIM. At 8 months, among the 218 NHRs who were alive, there was an absolute reduction in the prevalence of PIMs of 9.1% in the CG (p < 0.05) and 10.2% in the IG (p < 0.05). We found large reductions for some medications (e.g. proton pump inhibitors) but no reduction for others (e.g. calcium). The percentage of NHRs with one or more PIM discontinued without a new PIM initiated was higher in the IG than the CG but the difference was not significant (35.1% vs 23.6%, p = 0.127). CONCLUSION Among frail NHRs with poor survival prognosis, a significant and encouraging decrease in PIM prevalence over time was observed, probably facilitated by medication reviews. The overall prevalence of PIMs remained high, however.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne Fournier
- Louvain Drug Research Institute, Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 72/B1.72.02, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels, Belgium.,Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Pharmacy Department, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Pauline Anrys
- Louvain Drug Research Institute, Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 72/B1.72.02, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Baptiste Beuscart
- Univ. Lille, CHU Lille, ULR 2694 - METRICS : Évaluation des technologies de santé et des pratiques médicales, 59000, Lille, France
| | - Olivia Dalleur
- Louvain Drug Research Institute, Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 72/B1.72.02, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels, Belgium.,Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Pharmacy Department, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Séverine Henrard
- Louvain Drug Research Institute, Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 72/B1.72.02, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels, Belgium.,Institute of Health and Society, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Veerle Foulon
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Pharmacological Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Anne Spinewine
- Louvain Drug Research Institute, Clinical Pharmacy Research Group, Université Catholique de Louvain, Avenue Mounier 72/B1.72.02, 1200 Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Brussels, Belgium. .,CHU UCL Namur, Pharmacy Department, Université Catholique de Louvain, Yvoir, Belgium.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
DeAngelis J, Lowry MF. Hospital Readmissions in Hospice Patients: Evaluation of Medication-Related Causes for Readmission. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2020; 38:745-749. [PMID: 32935551 DOI: 10.1177/1049909120959641] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
CONTEXT Hospital readmissions, frequent medication changes, and polypharmacy are common issues for hospice patients. It is important to consider if close monitoring of medications by pharmacists could help these patients avoid hospital readmissions. OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to determine the incidence and types of medication-related problems that contributed to hospital readmissions from hospice settings. METHODS A retrospective chart review was conducted from October 1, 2018 to January 31, 2020. Patients admitted from hospice settings (i.e. Home, ALF, LTCF) and who were seen by the palliative care teams at 9 Maryland and Washington DC MedStar hospitals were included. Demographic information was collected: age, gender, race, primary hospice diagnosis, prognosis determined by provider prior to hospice disposition, reason for readmission, and medication list at readmission. The primary outcomes were the incidence and types of medication-related problems. Secondary outcomes included patient characteristics associated with readmission, and classes/number of medications changed before readmission. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data. RESULTS Seventy-five hospice patients were readmitted and seen by palliative care during the study period. Forty-three patients (57%) were found to have medication-related problems at readmission. The most common problem identified was needing additional drug therapy. Dose too low, dose too high, incorrect drugs, adverse drug reactions, and non-adherence were also identified. Additional reasons for readmission were: unanticipated new medical issue (n = 46, 61%) and uncontrolled symptoms (n = 34, 34%). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that deprescribing practices possibly contributeto readmissions from hospice settings.
Collapse
|
15
|
Purchases of medicines among community-dwelling older people: comparing people in the last 2 years of life and those who lived at least 2 years longer. Eur J Ageing 2020; 17:361-369. [PMID: 32904873 PMCID: PMC7459050 DOI: 10.1007/s10433-019-00543-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While it is known that those who are living their last years are frequent users of social and health services, research about medicines at the end of life is scarce. We examined whether the proportions of purchasers and the types of prescription medicines purchased during a 2-year period differed between community-dwelling old people who died (decedents) in 2002, 2006 or 2011 and old people who lived at least 2 years longer (survivors) in Finland. We also examined how those differences changed over time. The study population was identified from nationwide registers and consisted of 174,097 community-dwelling people who were 70 years of age or older. Of these, 81,893 were decedents and 92,204 survivors. Data on purchases of medicines were gathered from the Finnish prescription database. Along with descriptive analyses, binary logistic regression analysis was used to find the association between decedent status and the purchase of medicines in general and different categories of medicines in particular. Almost all community-dwelling decedents and survivors purchased medicines at least once during the 2-year period. Over time, the proportion of purchasers increased in both groups but especially among survivors, thereby reducing the differences between the groups. However, the probability of purchasing medicines in general and different categories of medicine in particular remained significantly higher for decedents than for survivors after adjustments. This study shows that purchases of medication are concentrated at the end of life, as is the use of social and health services. However, the differences between decedents and survivors diminish over time.
Collapse
|
16
|
Curtin D, Jennings E, Daunt R, Curtin S, Randles M, Gallagher P, O'Mahony D. Deprescribing in Older People Approaching End of Life: A Randomized Controlled Trial Using STOPPFrail Criteria. J Am Geriatr Soc 2019; 68:762-769. [PMID: 31868920 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.16278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Revised: 10/28/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Older people approaching end of life are commonly prescribed multiple medications, many of which may be inappropriate or futile. Our objective was to examine the effect of applying the STOPPFrail, a recently developed deprescribing tool, to the medication regimens of older patients with advanced frailty. DESIGN Randomized controlled trial. SETTING Two acute hospitals in Ireland. PARTICIPANTS Adults 75 years or older (n = 130) with advanced frailty and polypharmacy (five or more drugs), transferring to long-term nursing home care. INTERVENTION A STOPPFrail-guided deprescribing plan was presented to attending physicians who judged whether or not to implement recommended medication changes. MEASUREMENTS The primary outcome was the change in the number of regular medications at 3 months. Secondary outcomes included unscheduled hospital presentations, falls, quality of life, monthly medication costs, and mortality. RESULTS Intervention (n = 65) and control group (n = 65) participants were prescribed a mean (plus or minus standard deviation [SD]) of 11.5 (±3.0) and 10.9 (±3.5) medications, respectively, at baseline. The mean (SD) change in the number of medications at 3 months was -2.6 (±2.73) in the intervention group and -.36 (±2.60) in the control group (mean difference = 2.25 ± .54; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.18-3.32; P < .001). The mean change in monthly medication cost was -$74.97 (±$148.32) in the intervention group and -$13.22 (±$110.40) in the control group (mean difference $61.74 ± $26.60; 95% CI = 8.95-114.53; P = .02). No significant differences were found between groups for any of the other secondary outcomes. CONCLUSION STOPPFrail-guided deprescribing significantly reduced polypharmacy and medication costs in frail older people. No significant differences between groups were observed with regard to falls, hospital presentations, quality of life, and mortality, although the trial was likely underpowered to detect differences in these outcomes. J Am Geriatr Soc 68:762-769, 2020.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Denis Curtin
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Emma Jennings
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Ruth Daunt
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Sara Curtin
- Department of Occupational Therapy, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Mary Randles
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Paul Gallagher
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| | - Denis O'Mahony
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), University College Cork, Cork, Ireland.,Department of Geriatric Medicine, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Akgün KM, Krishnan S, Feder SL, Tate J, Kutner JS, Crothers K. Polypharmacy Increases Risk of Dyspnea Among Adults With Serious, Life-Limiting Diseases. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2019; 37:278-285. [PMID: 31550901 DOI: 10.1177/1049909119877512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polypharmacy is associated with dyspnea in cross-sectional studies, but associations have not been determined in longitudinal analyses. Statins are commonly prescribed but their contribution to dyspnea is unknown. We determined whether polypharmacy was associated with dyspnea trajectory over time in adults with advanced illness enrolled in a statin discontinuation trial, overall, and in models stratified by statin discontinuation. METHODS Using data from a parallel-group unblinded pragmatic clinical trial (patients on statins ≥3 months with life expectancy of 1 month to 1 year, enrolled in the parent study between June 3, 2011, and May 2, 2013, n = 308/381 [81%]), we restricted analyses to patients with available baseline medication count and ≥1 dyspnea score. Polypharmacy was assessed by self-reported chronic medication count. Dyspnea trajectory group, our primary outcome, was determined over 24 weeks using the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System. RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 73.8 years (standard deviation [SD]: ±11.0) and the mean medication count was 11.6 (SD: ±5.0). We identified 3 dyspnea trajectory groups: none (n = 108), mild (n = 130), and moderate-severe (n = 70). Statins were discontinued in 51.8%, 48.5%, and 42.9% of patients, respectively. In multivariable models adjusting for age, sex, diagnosis, and statin discontinuation, each additional medication was associated with 8% (odds ratio [OR] = 1.08 [1.01-1.14]) and 16% (OR = 1.16 [1.08-1.25]) increased risk for mild and moderate-severe dyspnea, respectively. In stratified models, polypharmacy was associated with dyspnea in the statin continuation group only (mild OR = 1.12 [1.01-1.24], moderate-severe OR = 1.24 [1.11-1.39]) versus statin discontinuation (mild OR = 1.03 [0.95-1.12], and moderate-severe OR = 1.09 [0.98-1.22]). CONCLUSION Polypharmacy was strongly associated with dyspnea. Prospective interventions to decrease polypharmacy may impact dyspnea symptoms, especially for statins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Akgün
- Department of Internal Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Supriya Krishnan
- Department of Internal Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | | | - Janet Tate
- Department of Internal Medicine, VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, CT, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Jean S Kutner
- Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Kristina Crothers
- Department of Medicine, VA Puget Sound Health Care System and University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Morin L, Wastesson JW, Laroche ML, Fastbom J, Johnell K. How many older adults receive drugs of questionable clinical benefit near the end of life? A cohort study. Palliat Med 2019; 33:1080-1090. [PMID: 31172885 PMCID: PMC6691599 DOI: 10.1177/0269216319854013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The high burden of disease-oriented drugs among older adults with limited life expectancy raises important questions about the potential futility of care. AIM To describe the use of drugs of questionable clinical benefit during the last 3 months of life of older adults who died from life-limiting conditions. DESIGN Longitudinal, retrospective cohort study of decedents. Death certificate data were linked to administrative and healthcare registries with national coverage in Sweden. SETTING Older adults (≥75 years) who died from conditions potentially amenable to palliative care between 1 January and 31 December 2015 in Sweden. We identified drugs of questionable clinical benefit from a set of consensus-based criteria. RESULTS A total of 58,415 decedents were included (mean age, 87.0 years). During their last 3 months of life, they received on average 8.9 different drugs. Overall, 32.0% of older adults continued and 14.0% initiated at least one drug of questionable clinical benefit (e.g. statins, calcium supplements, vitamin D, bisphosphonates, antidementia drugs). These proportions were highest among younger individuals (i.e. aged 75-84 years), among people who died from organ failure and among those with a large number of coexisting chronic conditions. Excluding people who died from acute and potentially unpredictable fatal events had little influence on the results. CONCLUSION A substantial share of older persons with life-limiting diseases receive drugs of questionable clinical benefit during their last months of life. Adequate training, guidance and resources are needed to rationalize and deprescribe drug treatments for older adults near the end of life.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lucas Morin
- 1 Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,2 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas W Wastesson
- 1 Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.,2 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Marie-Laure Laroche
- 3 Centre de pharmacovigilance et de pharmaco-épidémiologie, Department of Pharmacology-Toxicology and Centre of Pharmacovigilance, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France.,4 INSERM 1248, University of Limoges, CHU Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Johan Fastbom
- 1 Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristina Johnell
- 2 Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
In the United States, the adult population that will need hospice and palliative care is expected to double in the next 40 years. In primary care, providers are often faced with tough decisions on how to manage patients' medications at the end of life. This article describes how to deprescribe in the last year of life.
Collapse
|
20
|
Roux B, Morin L, Papon A, Laroche ML. Prescription and deprescription of medications for older adults receiving palliative care during the last 3 months of life: a single-center retrospective cohort study. Eur Geriatr Med 2019; 10:463-471. [PMID: 34652792 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-019-00175-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 02/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Near the end of life, drugs to ensure comfort and improve quality of life should be prioritized, and unnecessary drugs should be avoided. The aim was to assess the evolution and quality of drug therapy throughout the last 3 months of life of older adults in need of palliative care. METHODS A single-center retrospective cohort study included older adults (≥ 65 years) who died in a teaching hospital between 1 January 2014 and 30 June 2014 and had been identified as patients in need of palliative care in their last 3 months of life. Drugs were collected from electronic medical records and defined as 'unnecessary' or 'essential' based on a review of the literature. RESULTS A total of 149 patients were included [age: 82.1 (SD 8.6) years, women: 46.3%]. The mean number of medications varied from 6.7 (SD 3.3) drugs 90 days before death, to 7.5 (SD 4.1) 7 days before death, to 5.6 (SD 3.6) on the day of death. During the final week of life, one additional prescription of essential drugs was observed for 75.2% of patients and 79.3% of patients had at least one unnecessary drug deprescribed. The most prescribed and deprescribed drug classes were, respectively, analgesics (56.4%) and antithrombotic agents (38.2%) during the last week of life. CONCLUSIONS Near the end of life, medication therapy is adapted to the goals of palliative care. However, this only occurs during the last week of life. Earlier transition to palliative care is necessary to avoid exposure to unnecessary drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Roux
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacovigilance, University Hospital of Limoges, 2 avenue Martin Luther King, 87042, Limoges Cedex, France. .,INSERM UMR 1248, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.
| | - Lucas Morin
- Aging Research Center, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Arnaud Papon
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, University Hospital of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Marie-Laure Laroche
- Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmacovigilance, University Hospital of Limoges, 2 avenue Martin Luther King, 87042, Limoges Cedex, France.,INSERM UMR 1248, University of Limoges, Limoges, France
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Espaulella Panicot J, Sevilla-Sánchez D. [Usefulness of STOPP-Pal criteria: Linked value practices]. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 2019; 54:125-126. [PMID: 30971343 DOI: 10.1016/j.regg.2019.03.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/18/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Joan Espaulella Panicot
- Unidad Territorial de Geriatría y Cuidados Paliativos, Consorci Hospitalari de Vic/Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu de Vic, Vic, Barcelona, España; Grupo de Investigación en Cronicidad de la Cataluña Central (C3RG), Vic, Barcelona, España.
| | - Daniel Sevilla-Sánchez
- Grupo de Investigación en Cronicidad de la Cataluña Central (C3RG), Vic, Barcelona, España; Servicio de Farmacia Territorial, Consorci Hospitalari de Vic/Hospital Universitari de la Santa Creu de Vic, Vic, Barcelona, España
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Delgado-Silveira E, Mateos-Nozal J, Muñoz García M, Rexach Cano L, Vélez-Díaz-Pallarés M, Albeniz López J, Cruz-Jentoft AJ. [Inappropriate drug use in palliative care: SPANISH version of the STOPP-Frail criteria (STOPP-Pal)]. Rev Esp Geriatr Gerontol 2019; 54:151-155. [PMID: 30606497 DOI: 10.1016/j.regg.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2018] [Revised: 11/28/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Multiple medication and inappropriate drug prescription are prevalent and challenging problems in older patients in end-of-life situations, and increases both preventable adverse events and health care costs. Recent literature recommends de-prescribing some drugs in patients with short life expectancy, when the aim of drug treatments is not prevention or cure, but symptom control. Recently, a list of explicit criteria (STOPP-Frail) intended to guide prescribing physicians in decision making on the use of drugs in older patients with terminal conditions. This article presents a Spanish version of such criteria, which have been named STOPP-Pal to avoid confusion with the current concept of frailty.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Jesús Mateos-Nozal
- Servicio de Geriatría (IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España
| | - Maria Muñoz García
- Servicio de Farmacia, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España
| | - Lourdes Rexach Cano
- Unidad de Cuidados Paliativos, Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España
| | | | - Jana Albeniz López
- Servicio de Geriatría (IRYCIS), Hospital Universitario Ramón y Cajal, Madrid, España
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Deprescribing: Right-Sizing Medication Regimens to Optimize Outcomes in Palliative Care. CURRENT GERIATRICS REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s13670-019-0274-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
|
24
|
Curtin D, Dukelow T, James K, O’Donnell D, O’Mahony D, Gallagher P. Deprescribing in multi-morbid older people with polypharmacy: agreement between STOPPFrail explicit criteria and gold standard deprescribing using 100 standardized clinical cases. Eur J Clin Pharmacol 2018; 75:427-432. [DOI: 10.1007/s00228-018-2598-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2018] [Accepted: 11/04/2018] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
|