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Snijders RAH, Brom L, Theunissen M, van den Beuken-van Everdingen MHJ. Update on Prevalence of Pain in Patients with Cancer 2022: A Systematic Literature Review and Meta-Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:591. [PMID: 36765547 PMCID: PMC9913127 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 01/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Experiencing pain and insufficient relief can be devastating and negatively affect a patient's quality of life. Developments in oncology such as new treatments and adjusted pain management guidelines may have influenced the prevalence of cancer pain and severity in patients. This review aims to provide an overview of the prevalence and severity of pain in cancer patients in the 2014-2021 literature period. A systematic literature search was performed using the databases PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Titles and abstracts were screened, and full texts were evaluated and assessed on methodological quality. A meta-analysis was performed on the pooled prevalence and severity rates. A meta-regression analysis was used to explore differences between treatment groups. We identified 10,637 studies, of which 444 studies were included. The overall prevalence of pain was 44.5%. Moderate to severe pain was experienced by 30.6% of the patients, a lower proportion compared to previous research. Pain experienced by cancer survivors was significantly lower compared to most treatment groups. Our results imply that both the prevalence of pain and pain severity declined in the past decade. Increased attention to the assessment and management of pain might have fostered the decline in the prevalence and severity of pain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf A. H. Snijders
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research & Development, 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Linda Brom
- Netherlands Comprehensive Cancer Organisation (IKNL), Department of Research & Development, 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Netherlands Association for Palliative Care (PZNL), 3511 DT Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Maurice Theunissen
- Centre of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke H. J. van den Beuken-van Everdingen
- Centre of Expertise for Palliative Care, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Management, Maastricht University Medical Centre+ (MUMC+), 6229 HX Maastricht, The Netherlands
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2
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Deprescribing in Palliative Cancer Care. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12050613. [PMID: 35629281 PMCID: PMC9147815 DOI: 10.3390/life12050613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of palliative care is to maintain as high a quality of life (QoL) as possible despite a life-threatening illness. Thus, the prescribed medications need to be evaluated and the benefit of each treatment must be weighed against potential side effects. Medications that contribute to symptom relief and maintained QoL should be prioritized. However, studies have shown that treatment with preventive drugs that may not benefit the patient in end-of-life is generally deprescribed very late in the disease trajectory of cancer patients. Yet, knowing how and when to deprescribe drugs can be difficult. In addition, some drugs, such as beta-blockers, proton pump inhibitors, anti-depressants and cortisone need to be scaled down slowly to avoid troublesome withdrawal symptoms. In contrast, other medicines, such as statins, antihypertensives and vitamins, can be discontinued directly. The aim of this review is to give some advice according to when and how to deprescribe medications in palliative cancer care according to current evidence and clinical praxis. The review includes antihypertensive drugs, statins, anti-coagulants, aspirin, anti-diabetics, proton pump inhibitors, histamin-2-blockers, bisphosphonates denosumab, urologicals, anti-depressants, cortisone, thyroxin and vitamins.
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Brokaar EJ, van den Bos F, Visser LE, Portielje JEA. Deprescribing in Older Adults With Cancer and Limited Life Expectancy: An Integrative Review. Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2021; 39:86-100. [PMID: 33739162 DOI: 10.1177/10499091211003078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Polypharmacy is common in older adults with cancer and deprescribing potentially inappropriate medications becomes very relevant when life expectancy decreases due to metastatic disease. Especially preventive medications may no longer be beneficial, because they may decrease quality of life and reduction in morbidity and mortality may be futile. Although deprescribing of preventive medication is common in the last period of life, it is still unusual during active cancer treatment for advanced disease, although life expectancy is often limited to less than 1 to 2 years in that stage. We performed a systematic search of the literature in Pubmed and Embase on the discontinuation of commonly utilized groups of preventive medication and evaluated the evidence of potential benefits and harms in patients aged 65 years or older with cancer and a limited life expectancy (LLE). From 21 included studies, it can be concluded that deprescribing lipid lowering drugs, antihypertensive drugs, osteoporosis drugs and antihyperglycemic drugs is feasible in a considerable part of patients with a LLE. Discontinuation may be performed safely, without the occurrence of serious adverse events or decrease of survival. The only study that addressed quality of life after deprescribing showed that discontinuation of statins improves quality of life in patients with a LLE. Recurrence of symptoms requiring reintroduction occurred in 0-13% of patients on antihyperglycemic treatment and 8-60% of patients using antihypertensive drugs. In order to reduce pill burden and futile treatment clinicians should discuss deprescribing of preventive medication with older patients with advanced cancer and a LLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edwin J Brokaar
- Department of Pharmacy, Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, the Netherlands
| | - Frederiek van den Bos
- Department of Gerontology & Geriatrics, 4501University Medical Center Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Loes E Visser
- Department of Pharmacy, Haga Teaching Hospital, The Hague, the Netherlands.,Department of Pharmacy, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands.,Department of Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Johanneke E A Portielje
- Department of Internal Medicine-Medical Oncology, 4501University Medical Center Leiden, Leiden, the Netherlands
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4
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Wang KN, Bell JS, Tan EC, Gilmartin-Thomas JF, Dooley MJ, Ilomäki J. Statin use and fall-related hospitalizations among residents of long-term care facilities: A case-control study. J Clin Lipidol 2020; 14:507-514. [PMID: 32571729 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2020.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins are associated with muscle-related adverse events, but few studies have investigated the association with fall-related hospitalizations among residents of long-term care facilities (LTCFs). OBJECTIVE The objective of the study is to investigate whether statin use is associated with fall-related hospitalizations from LTCFs. METHODS A case-control study was conducted among residents aged ≥65 years admitted to hospital from 2013 to 2015. Cases (n = 332) were residents admitted for falls and fall-related injuries. Controls (n = 332) were selected from patients admitted for reasons other than cardiovascular and diabetes. Cases and controls were matched 1:1 by age (±2 years), index date of admission (±6 months), and sex. Adjusted odds ratios (aORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using conditional logistic regression, after considering for history of falls, hypertension, dementia, functional comorbidity index, polypharmacy (≥9 regular preadmission medications), and fall-risk medications. Subanalyses were performed for individual statins, dementia, and statin intensity. RESULTS Overall, 43.1% of cases and 27.1% of controls used statins. Statins were associated with fall-related hospitalizations (aOR = 2.24, 95% CI 1.56-3.23), in particular simvastatin (aOR = 2.26, 95% CI 1.22-4.20) and atorvastatin (aOR = 2.08, 95% CI 1.33-3.24). Statins were associated with fall-related hospitalizations in residents with (aOR = 2.34, 95% CI 1.33-4.11) and without dementia (aOR = 2.30, 95% CI 1.46-3.63). There was no association between statin intensity and fall-related hospitalizations (aOR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.43-1.40). CONCLUSION This study suggests a possible association between statin use and fall-related hospitalizations among residents living in LTCFs. However, there was minimal evidence for a relationship between statin intensity and fall-related hospitalizations. Further research is required to substantiate these hypothesis-generating findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kate N Wang
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Pharmacy Department, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Health & Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, Victoria, Australia.
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; NHMRC Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, Hornsby Ku-ring-gai Hospital, Hornsby, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Edwin Ck Tan
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Aging Research Center, Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society, Karolinska Institutet and Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden; The University of Sydney, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Julia Fm Gilmartin-Thomas
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Michael J Dooley
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Pharmacy Department, Alfred Health, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Jenni Ilomäki
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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5
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Ofori‐Asenso R, Ilomäki J, Tacey M, Si S, Curtis AJ, Zomer E, Bell JS, Zoungas S, Liew D. Predictors of first-year nonadherence and discontinuation of statins among older adults: a retrospective cohort study. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2019; 85:227-235. [PMID: 30402916 PMCID: PMC6303220 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.13797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to examine the level of and predictors of statin nonadherence and discontinuation among older adults. METHODS Among 22 340 Australians aged ≥65 years who initiated statin therapy from January 2014 to December 2015, we estimated the first-year nonadherence (proportion of days covered [PDC] <0.80) and discontinuation (≥90 days without statin coverage) rates. Predictors of nonadherence and discontinuation were examined via multivariable logistic regression. Analyses were performed separately for general beneficiaries (with a higher co-payment; n = 4841) and concessional beneficiaries (with a lower co-payment; n = 17 499). RESULTS During the one-year follow-up, 55.1% were nonadherent (concessional 52.6%; general beneficiaries 64.2%) and 44.7% discontinued statins (concessional 43.1%; general beneficiaries 50.4%). Among concessional beneficiaries, those aged 75-84 years and ≥85 years were more likely to discontinue than people aged 65-74 years (odds ratio 1.11, 95% confidence interval 1.04-1.19 and 1.38, 1.23-1.54, respectively). Diabetes was associated with an increased likelihood of nonadherence and discontinuation, while hypertension, angina and congestive heart failure were associated with a lower likelihood of nonadherence and discontinuation. Anxiety was associated with an increased likelihood of discontinuation, but polypharmacy (concurrent use of five or more drugs) was associated with a lower likelihood of nonadherence and discontinuation. Statin initiation by a general medical practitioner was associated with both increased likelihood of nonadherence and discontinuation. Similar predictors of nonadherence and discontinuation were identified for the general beneficiaries. CONCLUSIONS Among older adults prescribed statins, first-year nonadherence and discontinuation are high. Specific population subgroups such as people aged ≥85 years, those with diabetes or anxiety may require additional attention to improve statin adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ofori‐Asenso
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- Epidemiological Modelling Unit, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- Division of Metabolism, Ageing and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Jenni Ilomäki
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Mark Tacey
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Si Si
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Andrea J. Curtis
- Division of Metabolism, Ageing and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Ella Zomer
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - J. Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical SciencesMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
- School of Pharmacy and Medical SciencesUniversity of South AustraliaAdelaideAustralia
| | - Sophia Zoungas
- Division of Metabolism, Ageing and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
| | - Danny Liew
- Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive MedicineMonash UniversityMelbourneAustralia
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6
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Abstract
There is a lack of evidence surrounding the efficacy of statins in the oldest old (≥ 80 years of age). As such, there is controversy surrounding use of statins in this population. We sought to evaluate the prevalence of statin use in the oldest old worldwide to understand the scope of this issue. We searched PubMed and grey literature over the last 5 years. Studies had to report the prevalence of statin use in adults ≥ 80 years of age. The first author performed screening and extracted data. Our search produced 1870 hits; 14 articles were considered eligible. We found three studies of nursing home residents, eight studies of community-dwelling patients and three studies in the combined population (i.e., both community-dwelling patients and nursing home residents). The prevalence of statin use ranged from 17 to 39% in nursing home residents, 12 to 59% for community-dwelling patients and 18 to 45% in combined populations. Beyond age 80 years, the prevalence of statin use appeared to decrease with advancing age. Statin use was more common as secondary prevention compared with primary prevention. The prevalence of statin use in the oldest old has increased over recent decades. The increase in prevalence appears to be more pronounced in the oldest old compared with younger old, as reported by two studies. Statins are widely used in the oldest old despite the lack of evidence in this population. Given how common statin use is in the oldest old, clinical evidence surrounding their efficacy in this group is urgently needed to guide appropriate use and shared decision-making.
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Bergström H, Brånvall E, Helde-Frankling M, Björkhem-Bergman L. Differences in discontinuation of statin treatment in women and men with advanced cancer disease. Biol Sex Differ 2018; 9:47. [PMID: 30342545 PMCID: PMC6196002 DOI: 10.1186/s13293-018-0207-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 10/11/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Statins are often discontinued in patients with advanced cancer since the net effect of treatment is considered negative. However, guidelines concerning discontinuation of statin treatment are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate any differences in time of discontinuation of statin treatment between men and women with advanced cancer disease. Methods Medical records from 195 deceased palliative cancer patients from a previous study cohort were reviewed. Patients treated with statins 2 years before death were identified as “statin users.” The time of discontinuation of statin therapy was identified and correlated to time of death. Only patients that had incurable cancer disease at time of statin discontinuation were included in the analysis. Results Fifty-four patients were identified as statin users, 29 women and 25 men. The average time span between discontinuation of statin treatment and time of death was significantly longer in women than in men, 10 months compared to 4 months (p < 0.01), with a range of 1–24 months among women and 1–12 months for men. All patients died due to their cancer disease. More men than women had a history of stroke or cardiac infarction (p = 0.02). There were no differences in age, socioeconomic factors, or survival time from study inclusion between men and women. There was no difference in self-assessed quality of life (QoL) between statin users who had discontinued statin treatment and those who are still on treatment. Men generally assessed their QoL lower than women in this study (p = 0.03). Conclusion Statin treatment was discontinued earlier in women than in men in patients with advanced cancer. The data suggest that statins may be discontinued earlier in men as well, since earlier discontinuation did not affect cardiovascular mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helena Bergström
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 16, Neo floor 7, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden
| | - Elsa Brånvall
- Palliative Home Care and Hospice Ward, ASIH Stockholm Södra, Bergtallsvägen 12, SE-125 59, Älvsjö, Sweden.,Division of Clinical Epidemiology, Department of Medicine Solna, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Helde-Frankling
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 16, Neo floor 7, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden.,Palliative Home Care and Hospice Ward, ASIH Stockholm Södra, Bergtallsvägen 12, SE-125 59, Älvsjö, Sweden
| | - Linda Björkhem-Bergman
- Department of Neurobiology, Care Sciences and Society (NVS), Division of Clinical Geriatrics, Karolinska Institutet, Blickagången 16, Neo floor 7, SE-141 83, Huddinge, Sweden. .,Palliative Home Care and Hospice Ward, ASIH Stockholm Södra, Bergtallsvägen 12, SE-125 59, Älvsjö, Sweden.
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8
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Ofori-Asenso R, Ilomäki J, Tacey M, Zomer E, Curtis AJ, Bell JS, Zoungas S, Liew D. Predictors of statin use among older adults: A nationwide cross-sectional study. J Clin Lipidol 2018; 13:156-162.e1. [PMID: 30446321 DOI: 10.1016/j.jacl.2018.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2018] [Revised: 09/26/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Statins comprise a key strategy for the prevention and treatment of arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, but prescribing remains suboptimal. OBJECTIVES The objective of this study was to characterize the predictors of statin use among adults aged ≥65 years. METHODS A cross-sectional study using Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) data on reimbursed prescriptions for a 10% random sample of the Australian population in 2016 was performed. Predictors of statin use were identified via multivariable logistic regression. Analyses were performed separately for people who were concessional beneficiaries (with a low, capped copayment) and other ("general") people. RESULTS Among 351,471 (concessional = 295,875 and general = 55,596) older adults, 44.2% were dispensed statins (concessional = 46.4% and general = 32.2%). Among the concessional beneficiaries, people aged 75 to 84 years were more likely to use statins (odds ratio [OR] 1.08, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.06-1.10), whereas those aged ≥85 years were less likely to use statins (OR 0.71, 95% CI 0.69-0.72), compared with people aged 65 to 74 years. Men were more likely to use statins than women (OR 1.14, 95% CI 1.12-1.16). Diabetes was associated with over 2-fold (OR 2.48, 95% CI 2.43-2.53) increased likelihood of statin use. People with cardiovascular-related conditions including hypertension, angina, and congestive heart failure experienced increased likelihood of statin use as was being dispensed anticoagulant or antiplatelet medication. Having malignancy, psychotic illness, or pain were associated with lower likelihood of statin use. Similar predictors of statin use were noted for the general population. CONCLUSION More than 40% of older adults in Australia used statins in 2016 with uptake dependent on individual-level factors such as demographics and comorbidities. Future research should examine the extent to which provider and/or health system-level factors contribute to the variable uptake of statin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Ofori-Asenso
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Epidemiological Modelling Unit, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Division of Metabolism, Ageing and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Jenni Ilomäki
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Mark Tacey
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Ella Zomer
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Andrea J Curtis
- Division of Metabolism, Ageing and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia; School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Sophia Zoungas
- Division of Metabolism, Ageing and Genomics, Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Danny Liew
- Department of Epidemiology and Preventive Medicine, Centre of Cardiovascular Research and Education in Therapeutics, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia.
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Turner JP, Tervonen HE, Shakib S, Singhal N, Prowse R, Bell JS. Factors associated with use of falls risk-increasing drugs among patients of a geriatric oncology outpatient clinic in Australia: a cross-sectional study. J Eval Clin Pract 2017; 23:361-368. [PMID: 27554195 DOI: 10.1111/jep.12624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 07/12/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Older people with cancer are at increased risk of falling. Falls risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs), comprising psychotropics and medications that cause orthostatic hypotension, are a potentially modifiable risk factor for falls. The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with use of FRIDs in older people with cancer. Patients aged ≥70 years who presented to a hospital outpatient clinic between January 2009 and July 2010 were included in the study. Information on current medication use, falls in previous 6 months, and frailty criteria was collected. Multinomial logistic regression was used to compute odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for factors associated with levels of FRID use. Overall, 76.1% (n = 293) of 383 patients used FRIDs. This comprised psychotropics (31.2%, n = 120) and medications causing orthostatic hypotension (69.9%, n = 269). In total, 24.0% (n = 92) patients reported falling in the previous 6 months. Risk factors for falling were associated with use of psychotropics but not orthostatic hypotension drugs. Patients with a history of falls had increased odds of using psychotropics (≥3 psychotropics; OR 13.50; 95%CI, 2.64-68.94). Likewise, frail patients had increased odds of using psychotropics (≥3 psychotropics; OR 27.78; 95%CI, 6.06-127.42). Risk factors for falling were associated with the use of psychotropics. This suggests that clinicians either do not recognize or underestimate the contribution of medications to falls in this high-risk patient group. Further efforts are needed to rationalize medication regimens at the time of patients' first presentation to outpatient oncology services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin P Turner
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Hanna E Tervonen
- School of Health Sciences, Centre for Population Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Sepehr Shakib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Science, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Nimit Singhal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Robert Prowse
- Department of Geriatric and Rehabilitation Medicine, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - J Simon Bell
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, Victoria, Australia.,School of Pharmacy and Medical Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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10
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Nixon M, Kousgaard MB. Organising medication discontinuation: a qualitative study exploring the views of general practitioners toward discontinuing statins. BMC Health Serv Res 2016; 16:226. [PMID: 27388025 PMCID: PMC4936268 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-016-1495-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2014] [Accepted: 06/28/2016] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Discontinuing medications is a complex decision making process and an important medical practice. It is a tool in reducing polypharmacy, reducing health system expenditure and improving patient quality of life. Few studies have looked at how general practitioners (GPs) discontinue a medication, in agreement with the patients, from a professional perspective. Three research questions were examined in this study: when does medication discontinuation occur in general practice, how is discontinuing medication handled in the GP's practice and how do GPs make decisions about discontinuing medication? METHODS Twenty four GPs were interviewed using a maximum variation sample strategy. Participant observations were done in three general practices, for one day each, totalling approximately 30 consultations. RESULTS The results show that different discontinuation cues (related to the type of consultation, medical records and the patient) create situations of dissonance that can lead to the GP considering the option of discontinuation. We also show that there is a lot of ambiguity in situations of discontinuing and that some GPs trialled discontinuing as means of generating more information that could be used to deal with the ambiguity. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the practice of discontinuation should be conceptualised as a continually evaluative process and one that requires sustained reflection through a culture of systematically scheduled check-ups, routinely eliciting the patient's experience of taking drugs and trialling discontinuation. Some policy recommendations are offered including supporting GPs with lists or handbooks that directly address discontinuation and by developing more person centred clinical guidelines that discuss discontinuation more explicitly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Nixon
- Center for Healthy Ageing, Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Marius Brostrøm Kousgaard
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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11
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General practitioners’ decisions about discontinuation of medication: an explorative study. J Health Organ Manag 2016; 30:565-80. [DOI: 10.1108/jhom-01-2015-0011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to investigate how general practitioners’ (GPs) decisions about discontinuation of medication are influenced by their institutional context.
Design/methodology/approach
– In total, 24 GPs were interviewed, three practices were observed and documents were collected. The Gioia methodology was used to analyse data, drawing on a theoretical framework that integrate the sensemaking perspective and institutional theory.
Findings
– Most GPs, who actively consider discontinuation, are reluctant to discontinue medication, because the safest course of action for GPs is to continue prescriptions, rather than discontinue them. The authors conclude that this is in part due to the ambiguity about the appropriateness of discontinuing medication, experienced by the GPs, and in part because the clinical guidelines do not encourage discontinuation of medication, as they offer GPs a weak frame for discontinuation. Three reasons for this are identified: the guidelines provide dominating triggers for prescribing, they provide weak priming for discontinuation as an option, and they underscore a cognitive constraint against discontinuation.
Originality/value
– The analysis offers new insights about decision making when discontinuing medication. It also offers one of the first examinations of how the institutional context embedding GPs influences their decisions about discontinuation. For policymakers interested in the discontinuation of medication, the findings suggest that de-stigmatising discontinuation on an institutional level may be beneficial, allowing GPs to better justify discontinuation in light of the ambiguity they experience.
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Treatment of Cancer Pain by Targeting Cytokines. Mediators Inflamm 2015; 2015:984570. [PMID: 26538839 PMCID: PMC4619962 DOI: 10.1155/2015/984570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/13/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is one of the most important causes of the majority of cancer symptoms, including pain, fatigue, cachexia, and anorexia. Cancer pain affects 17 million people worldwide and can be caused by different mediators which act in primary efferent neurons directly or indirectly. Cytokines can be aberrantly produced by cancer and immune system cells and are of particular relevance in pain. Currently, there are very few strategies to control the release of cytokines that seems to be related to cancer pain. Nevertheless, in some cases, targeted drugs are available and in use for other diseases. In this paper, we aim to review the importance of cytokines in cancer pain and targeted strategies that can have an impact on controlling this symptom.
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Yeoh TT, Tay XY, Si P, Chew L. Drug-related problems in elderly patients with cancer receiving outpatient chemotherapy. J Geriatr Oncol 2015; 6:280-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2015.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2015] [Revised: 04/30/2015] [Accepted: 05/26/2015] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
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