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McCann C, McCauley CO, Harkin D. Barriers and facilitators to opioid deprescribing among Advanced Nurse Practitioners: A qualitative interview study. J Adv Nurs 2024; 80:2500-2511. [PMID: 38082475 DOI: 10.1111/jan.15995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2024]
Abstract
AIM To explore the experiences primary care Advanced Nurse Practitioners have had in relation to deprescribing opioids in chronic non-malignant pain. DESIGN A qualitative interview study. METHODS Primary care Advanced Nurse Practitioners were recruited from across the Northern Ireland GP Federations. Data collection for this study took place between April and June 2022. In total, 10 semi-structured online interviews were conducted. Interviews were audio and visually recorded, transcribed verbatim and interpreted using a thematic analysis framework. The COREQ criteria were used to guide the reporting of this study. RESULTS The Advanced Nurse Practitioners experienced several challenges associated with opioid deprescribing and the implementation of current chronic pain guidelines. The main barriers identified were difficulties engaging patients in deprescribing discussions, a lack of availability of supportive therapies and poor access to secondary care services. The barriers identified directly impacted on their ability to deliver best practice which resulted in a sense of professional powerlessness. CONCLUSION The experiences of the Advanced Nurse Practitioners demonstrate that opioid deprescribing in patients with chronic pain is challenging, and implementation of current chronic pain guidelines is difficult. IMPACT This study contributes to existing literature on the topic of reducing opioid prescribing and as far as the authors are aware, is the first study to examine the experiences of primary care advanced nurse practitioners in this context. These findings will be of interest to other primary care practitioners, and prescribers involved in the management of chronic non-malignant pain. PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION No patient or public contribution.
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Liu BM, Redston MR, Fujita K, Thillainadesan J, Gnjidic D, Hilmer SN. The Impact of Deprescribing Interventions on the Drug Burden Index and Other Outcomes: A Systematic Review. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024:105021. [PMID: 38763161 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.105021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/21/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The Drug Burden Index (DBI) calculates a person's exposure to anticholinergic and sedative medications. We aimed to review randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of deprescribing interventions that reported the DBI as an outcome, their characteristics, effectiveness in reducing the DBI, and impact on other outcomes. DESIGN Systematic review with meta-analysis. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS RCTs of deprescribing interventions where the DBI was measured as a primary or secondary outcome in humans within any setting were included. METHODS Electronic databases, citation indexes, and gray literature were searched from January 4, 2007, to January 9, 2023. Quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool. RESULTS Of 1721 records identified, 9 met the inclusion criteria. Six interventions were delivered by pharmacists and 3 were delivered by pharmacists/nurses or pharmacists/geriatricians. All interventions required at least intermediate-level skills and involved multiple components and target groups. Studies were conducted in the community (n = 5), nursing homes (n = 2), and hospitals (n = 2). The mean or median age was ≥75 years and most participants were women in all studies. Most (n = 6) studies were underpowered. The follow-up period ranged from 3 to 12 months. Three studies reported a lower DBI in the intervention group compared with control: 1 pharmacist independent prescriber-delivered in nursing homes (adjusted rate ratio, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.74-0.92), 1 pharmacist/nurse practitioner-delivered in hospital (adjusted mean difference (MD), -0.28; 95% CI, -0.51 to -0.04), and 1 geriatrician/pharmacist-delivered in hospital (MD, -0.28; 95% CI, -0.52 to -0.04). Meta-analysis showed no difference in the change in DBI between control and intervention groups in the community including nursing homes (MD, -0.03; 95% CI, -0.08 to 0.01) or hospital setting (MD, -0.19; 95% CI, -0.45 to 0.06). Interventions had inconsistent effects on cognition and no effect on other reported outcomes. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS RCTs of deprescribing interventions had no significant impact on reducing DBI or improving outcomes. Further suitably powered studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnie M Liu
- Ageing and Pharmacology Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia; Aged Care Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Mitchell R Redston
- St George and Sutherland Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kenji Fujita
- Ageing and Pharmacology Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janani Thillainadesan
- Department of Geriatric Medicine and Centre for Education and Research on Ageing, Concord Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Concord Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Ageing and Pharmacology Laboratory, Kolling Institute, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney and the Northern Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia; Aged Care Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia; Clinical Pharmacology Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Sydney, Australia
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Lauffenburger JC, DiFrancesco MF, Bhatkhande G, Crum KL, Kim E, Robertson T, Oran R, Hanken KE, Haff N, Coll MD, Avorn J, Choudhry NK. Pragmatic trial evaluating the impact of simulation training on high-risk prescribing to older adults by junior physicians. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1420-1430. [PMID: 38456561 PMCID: PMC11090740 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 01/13/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND High-risk medications like benzodiazepines, sedative hypnotics, and antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for hospitalized older adults, despite guidelines recommending avoidance. Prior interventions have not fully addressed how physicians make such prescribing decisions, particularly when experiencing stress or cognitive overload. Simulation training may help improve prescribing decision-making but has not been evaluated for overprescribing. METHODS In this two-arm pragmatic trial, we randomized 40 first-year medical resident physicians (i.e., interns) on inpatient general medicine services at an academic medical center to either intervention (a 40-minute immersive simulation training) or control (online educational training) groups. The primary outcome was the number of new benzodiazepine, sedative hypnotic, or antipsychotic orders for treatment-naïve older adults during hospitalization. Secondary outcomes included the same outcome by all providers, being discharged on one of the medications, and orders for related or control medications. Outcomes were measured using electronic health record data over each intern's service period (~2 weeks). Outcomes were evaluated using generalized estimating equations, adjusting for clustering. RESULTS In total, 522 treatment-naïve older adult patients were included in analyses. Over follow-up, interns prescribed ≥1 high-risk medication for 13 (4.9%) intervention patients and 13 (5.0%) control patients. The intervention led to no difference in the number of new prescriptions (Rate Ratio [RR]: 0.85, 95%CI: 0.31-2.35) versus control and no difference in secondary outcomes. In secondary analyses, intervention interns wrote significantly fewer "as-needed" ("PRN") order types for the high-risk medications (RR: 0.29, 95%CI: 0.08-0.99), and instead tended to write more "one-time" orders than control interns, though this difference was not statistically significant (RR: 2.20, 95%CI: 0.60-7.99). CONCLUSIONS Although this simulation intervention did not impact total high-risk prescribing for hospitalized older adults, it did influence how the interns prescribed, resulting in fewer PRN orders, suggesting possibly greater ownership of care. Future interventions should consider this insight and implementation lessons raised. TRIAL REGISTRATION Clinicaltrials.gov(NCT04668248).
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie C. Lauffenburger
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Matthew F. DiFrancesco
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gauri Bhatkhande
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Katherine L. Crum
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin Kim
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | | | - Kaitlin E. Hanken
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Nancy Haff
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Maxwell D. Coll
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jerry Avorn
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Niteesh K. Choudhry
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences (C4HDS), Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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Thomas C, Cohen AB, Mecca MC. Polypharmacy, deprescribing, and trust in the clinician-patient relationship. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1562-1565. [PMID: 38232315 PMCID: PMC11090731 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2023] [Revised: 12/03/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Affiliation(s)
- Columba Thomas
- Kennedy Institute of Ethics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Andrew B Cohen
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Marcia C Mecca
- VA Connecticut Healthcare System, West Haven, Connecticut, USA
- Department of Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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Hinrichsen GA, Leipzig RM. Implementation and Effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia in Geriatric Primary Care. Clin Gerontol 2024; 47:507-514. [PMID: 35980259 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2022.2104675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We evaluated a plan for implementation and effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in geriatric primary care by a geropsychologist. METHODS The flow of referrals to a geropsychologist was tracked and, among those eligible and interested in participating, success in deprescribing sleep medications and the effectiveness of CBT-I were documented. RESULTS Seventy patients were referred for evaluation of whom 62 were eligible for CBT-I; 34 began CBT-I and 29 completed a full course of treatment. Almost two-thirds of treatment completers were the "old old" (76-84 years) and "oldest old" (85-93 years) with multiple medical problems. Most treatment completers taking sleep medications had them deprescribed at the beginning of treatment and, one year after treatment, did not have them re-prescribed. After CBT-I, two-thirds of patients met the insomnia severity index criteria for response; and three-fifths for remission from insomnia. Further, most patients had sustained improvement in their target insomnia symptom(s) and sleep efficiency. CONCLUSIONS CBT-I can be implemented in geriatric primary care with successful deprescribing of sleep medications and meaningful improvement in symptoms of insomnia in a group of older adults of advanced age with multiple medical problems. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Clinical gerontologists can play an important role in improving late life insomnia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gregory A Hinrichsen
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
| | - Rosanne M Leipzig
- Department of Geriatrics and Palliative Medicine, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, USA
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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] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [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.
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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
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Li M, Lv G, Lee TY, Wu J, Lu K. Economic and clinical burdens and associated health disparities in HIV/AIDS management using big data: potentially inappropriate use and deprescribing of benzodiazepines. AIDS Care 2024; 36:604-611. [PMID: 33213189 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2020.1842320] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/19/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to examine factors, healthcare utilization, and medical costs associated with potentially inappropriate use of benzodiazepines in persons living with HIV (PLWH). We used big data from Medicare claims in 2017. Potentially inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was defined as having any benzodiazepine claims in individuals 65+ years or having benzodiazepine claims for more than four weeks in individuals 18-64 years. Logistic regressions, zero-inflated negative binomial regressions, and generalized linear models were used. This study included 1,211 PLWH and 235 (19.41%) had potentially inappropriate use of benzodiazepines. PLWH who were 65+ years (OR: 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33, 0.96), non-Hispanic blacks (OR: 0.29; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.41), or Hispanics (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.35, 0.88) were less likely to use benzodiazepines inappropriately. PLWH who had potentially inappropriate use of benzodiazepines had more inpatient (IRR: 1.46; 95% CI: 1.10, 1.94), outpatient (IRR: 1.14; 95% CI 1.02, 1.28), and emergency room (IRR: 1.32; 95% CI: 1.03, 1.68) visits. Potentially inappropriate use of benzodiazepines was associated with higher total (β: 0.16; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.25), Medicare (β: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.07, 0.28), and out-of-pocket (β: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.05, 0.36) costs. This study provides real-world evidence to support deprescribing benzodiazepines in PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minghui Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Translational Science, University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Gang Lv
- General Surgery Department, 1st Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tai-Ying Lee
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jun Wu
- Presbyterian College School of Pharmacy, Clinton, SC, USA
| | - Kevin Lu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Outcomes Sciences, University of South Carolina College of Pharmacy, Columbia, SC, USA
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Mak S, Alessi CA, Kaufmann C, Martin J, Mitchell MN, Ulmer C, Lum HD, McCarthy MS, Smith JP, Fung CH. Pilot RCT Testing A Mailing About Sleeping Pills and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: Impact on Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs. Clin Gerontol 2024; 47:452-463. [PMID: 36200403 PMCID: PMC10076445 DOI: 10.1080/07317115.2022.2130849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The aim is to pilot a low-touch program for reducing benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA; benzodiazepines, z-drugs) prescriptions among older veterans. METHODS Pilot randomized controlled trial consists of 2,009 veterans aged ≥ 65 years who received BZRA prescriptions from a Veterans Health Administration pharmacy (Colorado or Montana) during the prior 18 months. Active: Arm 1 was a mailed brochure about BZRA risks that also included information about a free, online cognitive behavioral therapy for the insomnia (CBTI) program. Arm 2 was a mailed brochure (same as arm 1) and telephone reinforcement call. Control: Arm 3 was a mailed brochure without insomnia treatment information. Active BZRA prescriptions at follow-up (6 and 12 months) were measured. RESULTS In logistic regression analyses, the odds of BZRA prescription at 6- and 12-month follow-ups were not significantly different for arm 1 or 2 (active) versus arm 3 (control), including models adjusted for demographics and prescription characteristics (p-values >0.36). CONCLUSIONS Although we observed no differences in active BZRA prescriptions, this pilot study provides guidance for conducting a future study, indicating a need for a more potent intervention. A full-scale trial testing an optimized program would provide conclusive results. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Mailing information about BZRA risks and CBTI did not affect BZRA prescriptions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selene Mak
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (11E), North Hills, CA, USA 91343
| | - Cathy A. Alessi
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (11E), North Hills, CA, USA 91343
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Christopher Kaufmann
- Department of Health Outcomes and Biomedical Informatics, University of Florida College of Medicine, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, USA 32603
- Division of Epidemiology and Data Science in Gerontology, Department of Aging and Geriatric Research, University of Florida College of Medicine, 2004 Mowry Road, Gainesville, FL, USA 32603
| | - Jennifer Martin
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (11E), North Hills, CA, USA 91343
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095
| | - Michael N. Mitchell
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (11E), North Hills, CA, USA 91343
| | - Christi Ulmer
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences
- Durham VA Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation (ADAPT)
| | - Hillary D. Lum
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 12631 E 17th Ave, Aurora, CO USA 80045
| | - Michaela S. McCarthy
- Denver-Seattle Center of Innovation for Veteran-Centered and Value-Driven Care (COIN), VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Denver, CO, USA 80045
| | - Jason P. Smith
- VA Pharmacy Benefits Management, VA Rocky Mountain Network, 4100 East Mississippi, Suite 608, Glendale, CO, USA 80236
| | - Constance H. Fung
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System, 16111 Plummer Street (11E), North Hills, CA, USA 91343
- Department of Medicine, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90095
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Gray SL, Brandt N, Schmader KE, Hanlon JT. Medication use quality and safety in older adults: 2022 update. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1329-1337. [PMID: 38038490 PMCID: PMC11090755 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
Improving the quality of medication use and medication safety are important priorities for healthcare providers who care for older adults. The objective of this article was to identify four exemplary articles with this focus in 2022. We selected high-quality studies from an OVID search and hand searching of major high impact journals that advanced the field of research forward. The chosen articles cover domains related to deprescribing, medication safety, and optimizing medication use. The MedSafer Study, a cluster randomized clinical trial in Canada, evaluated whether patient specific deprescribing reports generated by electronic decision support software resulted in reduced adverse drug events in the 30 days post hospital discharge in older adults (domain: deprescribing). The second study, a retrospective cohort study using data from Premier Healthcare Database, examined in-hospital adverse clinical events associated with perioperative gabapentin use among older adults undergoing major surgery (domain: medication safety). The third study used an open-label parallel controlled trial in 39 Australian aged-care facilities to examine the effectiveness of a pharmacist-led intervention to reduce medication-induced deterioration and adverse reactions (domain: optimizing medication use). Lastly, the fourth study engaged experts in a Delphi method process to develop a consensus list of clinically important prescribing cascades that adversely affect older persons' health to aid clinicians to identify, prevent, and manage prescribing cascades (domain: optimizing medication use). Collectively, this review succinctly highlights pertinent topics related to promoting safe use of medications and promotes awareness of optimizing older adults' medication regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shelly L Gray
- Plein Center for Geriatric Pharmacy Research, Education and Outreach, School of Pharmacy, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Nicole Brandt
- Peter Lamy Center on Drug Therapy and Aging, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kenneth E Schmader
- Department of Medicine (Geriatrics), School of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Geriatric Research Education and Clinical Center, Durham Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Joseph T Hanlon
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
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Bortolussi-Courval É, Podymow T, Battistella M, Trinh E, Mavrakanas TA, McCarthy L, Moryousef J, Hanula R, Huon JF, Suri R, Lee TC, McDonald EG. Medication Deprescribing in Patients Receiving Hemodialysis: A Prospective Controlled Quality Improvement Study. Kidney Med 2024; 6:100810. [PMID: 38628463 PMCID: PMC11019279 DOI: 10.1016/j.xkme.2024.100810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Rationale & Objective Patients treated with dialysis are commonly prescribed multiple medications (polypharmacy), including some potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). PIMs are associated with an increased risk of medication harm (eg, falls, fractures, hospitalization). Deprescribing is a solution that proposes to stop, reduce, or switch medications to a safer alternative. Although deprescribing pairs well with routine medication reviews, it can be complex and time-consuming. Whether clinical decision support improves the process and increases deprescribing for patients treated with dialysis is unknown. This study aimed to test the efficacy of the clinical decision support software MedSafer at increasing deprescribing for patients treated with dialysis. Study Design Prospective controlled quality improvement study with a contemporaneous control. Setting & Participants Patients prescribed ≥5 medications in 2 outpatient dialysis units in Montréal, Canada. Exposures Patient health data from the electronic medical record were input into the MedSafer web-based portal to generate reports listing candidate PIMs for deprescribing. At the time of a planned biannual medication review (usual care), treating nephrologists in the intervention unit additionally received deprescribing reports, and patients received EMPOWER brochures containing safety information on PIMs they were prescribed. In the control unit, patients received usual care alone. Analytical Approach The proportion of patients with ≥1 PIMs deprescribed was compared between the intervention and control units following a planned medication review to determine the effect of using MedSafer. The absolute risk difference with 95% CI and number needed to treat were calculated. Outcomes The primary outcome was the proportion of patients with one or more PIMs deprescribed. Secondary outcomes include the reduction in the mean number of prescribed drugs and PIMs from baseline. Results In total, 195 patients were included (127, control unit; 68, intervention unit); the mean age was 64.8 ± 15.9 (SD), and 36.9% were women. The proportion of patients with ≥1 PIMs deprescribed in the control unit was 3.1% (4/127) vs 39.7% (27/68) in the intervention unit (absolute risk difference, 36.6%; 95% CI, 24.5%-48.6%; P < 0.0001; number needed to treat = 3). Limitations This was a single-center nonrandomized study with a type 1 error risk. Deprescribing durability was not assessed, and the study was not powered to reduce adverse drug events. Conclusions Deprescribing clinical decision support and patient EMPOWER brochures provided during medication reviews could be an effective and scalable intervention to address PIMs in the dialysis population. A confirmatory randomized controlled trial is needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Émilie Bortolussi-Courval
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Tiina Podymow
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Marisa Battistella
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Emilie Trinh
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Thomas A. Mavrakanas
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Lisa McCarthy
- Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Joseph Moryousef
- Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Ryan Hanula
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Jean-François Huon
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Pharmacy, Nantes University Health Centre, Nantes University, Nantes, France
| | - Rita Suri
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Todd C. Lee
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Infectious Disease, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Emily G. McDonald
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Takele B, Koyra HC, Sidamo T, Lerango TL. Tripled likelihood: polypharmacy increases the occurrence of drug therapy problems in hospitalized pediatric patients. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1375728. [PMID: 38725664 PMCID: PMC11079121 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1375728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Background A drug therapy problem (DTP) is any undesirable event experienced by a patient that accompanies drug therapy, prevents the patient from achieving their desired therapeutic goals, and requires expert judgment to resolve. Pediatric populations are at a higher risk of DTP than adults due to their immature organ systems, including the liver and kidneys, which play crucial roles in drug metabolism and excretion. Most previous studies have focused on only one element of DTP. Therefore, by considering all elements of DTP, we aimed to assess the prevalence of DTP and associated factors among pediatric patients admitted to the Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital. Methods An institution-based cross-sectional study was conducted among pediatric patients admitted to Wolaita Sodo University Comprehensive Specialized Hospital from 8 July 2020, to 7 July 2021. A simple random sampling technique was employed to select study participants. Cipolle's and Strand's classification method of drug therapy problems was used to identify and categorize DTP. Data were obtained by reviewing the patient's medical records using a data abstraction checklist, entered into Epi data version 4.6, and exported to SPSS version 25 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of DTP. Results Medical records of 369 pediatric patients were reviewed, and the overall prevalence of DTP was 60.2% (95% CI:55.2%, 65.2%) with a total of 281 identified DTPs. Among them, 164 (74.2%) had only one DTP. Need additional drug therapy was the most common (140 [49.8%]) DTP identified. The number of disease conditions (AOR = 2.13, 95% CI:1.16, 3.92), polypharmacy (AOR = 3.01, 95% CI:1.70, 5.32), and duration of hospital stay (AOR = 1.80, 95% CI:1.04, 3.10) were independent predictors of DTP among admitted pediatric patients. Conclusion The prevalence of DTP in pediatric patients in the current setting was high. The number of disease conditions, polypharmacy, and duration of hospital stay were independent predictors of DTP. Enhancements to pharmaceutical care services, optimized dosage practices, improved deprescribing by clinicians, and efficient, comprehensive diagnostic procedures have the potential to significantly reduce specific drug therapy problems in hospitalized pediatrics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bereket Takele
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Hailu Chare Koyra
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Sidamo
- School of Pharmacy, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Wolaita Sodo University, Wolaita Sodo, Ethiopia
| | - Temesgen Leka Lerango
- School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences and Medicine, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
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Pavon JM, Sloane RJ, Colón-Emeric CS, Pieper CF, Schmader K, Gallagher D, Hastings SN. Central nervous system medication use around hospitalization. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024. [PMID: 38600620 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 03/07/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Central nervous system (CNS) medication use is common among older adults, yet the impact of hospitalizations on use remains unclear. This study details CNS medication use, discontinuations, and user profiles during hospitalization periods. METHODS Retrospective cohort study using electronic health records on patients ≥65 years, from three hospitals (2018-2020), and prescribed a CNS medication around hospitalization (90 days prior to 90 days after). Latent class transitions analysis (LCTA) examined profiles of CNS medication class users across four time points (90 days prior, admission, discharge, 90 days after hospitalization). RESULTS Among 4666 patients (mean age 74.3 ± 9.3 years; 63% female; 70% White; mean length of stay 4.6 ± 5.6 days (median 3.0 [2.0, 6.0]), the most commonly prescribed CNS medications were antidepressants (56%) and opioids (49%). Overall, 74% (n = 3446) of patients were persistent users of a CNS medication across all four time points; 7% (n = 388) had discontinuations during hospitalization, but of these, 64% (216/388) had new starts or restarts within 90 days after hospitalization. LCTA identified three profile groups: (1) low CNS medication users, 54%-60% of patients; (2) mental health medication users, 30%-36%; and (3) acute/chronic pain medication users, 9%-10%. Probability of staying in same group across the four time points was high (0.88-1.00). Transitioning to the low CNS medication use group was highest from admission to discharge (probability of 9% for pain medication users, 5% for mental health medication users). Female gender increased (OR 2.4, 95% CI 1.3-4.3), while chronic kidney disease lowered (OR 0.5, 0.2-0.9) the odds of transitioning to the low CNS medication use profile between admission and discharge. CONCLUSIONS CNS medication use stays consistent around hospitalization, with discontinuation more likely between admission and discharge, especially among pain medication users. Further research on patient outcomes is needed to understand the benefits and harms of hospital deprescribing, particularly for medications requiring gradual tapering.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliessa M Pavon
- Department of Medicine/Division of Geriatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Richard J Sloane
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Cathleen S Colón-Emeric
- Department of Medicine/Division of Geriatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carl F Pieper
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Kenneth Schmader
- Department of Medicine/Division of Geriatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - David Gallagher
- Department of Medicine/Division of General Internal Medicine/Hospital Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Susan N Hastings
- Department of Medicine/Division of Geriatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
- Health Services Research & Development, Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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Niznik JD, Shmuel S, Pate V, Thorpe CT, Hanson LC, Rice C, Lund JL. Validating claims-based definitions for deprescribing: Bridging the gap between clinical and administrative data. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2024; 33:e5784. [PMID: 38556843 DOI: 10.1002/pds.5784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limited research has evaluated the validity of claims-based definitions for deprescribing. OBJECTIVES Evaluate the validity of claims-based definitions of deprescribing against electronic health records (EHRs) for deprescribing of benzodiazepines (BZDs) after a fall-related hospitalization. METHODS We used a novel data linkage between Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) and Part D with our health system's EHR. We identified patients aged ≥66 years with a fall-related hospitalization, continuous enrollment in Medicare FFS and Part D for 6 months pre- and post-hospitalization, and ≥2 BZD fills in the 6 months pre-hospitalization. Using a standardized EHR abstraction tool, we adjudicated deprescribing for a sub-sample with a fall-related hospitalization at UNC. We evaluated the validity of claims-based deprescribing definitions (e.g., gaps in supply, dosage reductions) versus chart review using sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS Among 257 patients in the overall sample, 44% were aged 66-74 years, 35% had Medicare low-income subsidy, 79% were female. Among claims-based definitions using gaps in supply, the prevalence of BZD deprescribing ranged from 8.2% (no refills) to 36.6% (30-day gap). When incorporating dosage, the prevalence ranged from 55.3% to 65.8%. Among the validation sub-sample (n = 47), approximately one-third had BZDs deprescribed in the EHR. Compared to EHR, gaps in supply from claims had good sensitivity, but poor specificity. Incorporating dosage increased sensitivity, but worsened specificity. CONCLUSIONS The sensitivity of claims-based definitions for deprescribing of BZDs was low; however, the specificity of a 90-day gap was >90%. Replication in other EHRs and for other low-value medications is needed to guide future deprescribing research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua D Niznik
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Aging and Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Shahar Shmuel
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Virginia Pate
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Carolyn T Thorpe
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion, Veterans Affairs (VA) Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Laura C Hanson
- Division of Geriatric Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
- Center for Aging and Health, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Colleen Rice
- Translational and Clinical Sciences Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Jennifer L Lund
- Department of Epidemiology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Gillings School of Global Public Health, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
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Chae S, Lee E, Lindenberg J, Shen K, Anderson TS. Evaluation of a benzodiazepine deprescribing quality improvement initiative for older adults in primary care. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:1234-1241. [PMID: 38147454 PMCID: PMC11018491 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Older adults are commonly prescribed long-term benzodiazepines for anxiety and insomnia despite evidence of risks and limited evidence of long-term benefits. Recent quality measures and guidelines have recommended benzodiazepine deprescribing, yet there is little real-world data on clinic-based deprescribing programs. METHODS We developed a benzodiazepine deprescribing quality improvement program for older adults at a large US academic medical center. The program targeted adults aged 65 years and older who were prescribed chronic benzodiazepines by their primary care physician (PCP). PCPs were contacted to opt-out patients not suitable for deprescribing; then eligible patients were mailed a letter discussing patient-specific risks and advising them to discuss deprescribing with their PCP or a pharmacist who was available to support tapering. The primary outcomes were the number of patients who discussed deprescribing and who initiated a taper within 90 days of outreach. RESULTS Of 504 older adults prescribed benzodiazepines, 133 (26%) were opted out by their PCPs leaving a cohort of 371 (median age 71 years [IQR 68-75], 58% female, 82% White). The median daily diazepam milligram equivalent was 5 mg (IQR 3-6 mg) and 30% were prescribed long-acting benzodiazepines. Three months following patient outreach, 97 patients (26%) had a documented discussion of benzodiazepines with their PCP or clinic pharmacist. Of these patients, 35 (36%) had documentation of a deprescribing discussion and 25 (26%) initiated a taper. At 12 months, 16 patients (64%) were tapered successfully, with nine (36%) patients taking a lower benzodiazepine dose and seven (28%) discontinuing benzodiazepines completely. CONCLUSIONS A low-intensity benzodiazepine deprescribing outreach program led to deprescribing conversations for a minority of patients, but one-quarter of older adults who engaged in a conversation chose to taper and nearly two-thirds sustained reduced use. Incorporating benzodiazepine deprescribing into routine care may require more intensive population-health efforts to engage patients and clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sulgi Chae
- Department of Pharmacy, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Department of Psychiatry, Kaiser Permanente, Santa Clara, CA Long-acting benz
| | - Emma Lee
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
| | - Julia Lindenberg
- Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Kaden Shen
- Northeastern University Bouve College of Health Sciences, Boston, MA
| | - Timothy S. Anderson
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Science, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Division of General Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
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Schleiden LJ, Klima G, Rodriguez KL, Ersek M, Robinson JE, Hickson RP, Smith D, Cashy J, Sileanu FE, Thorpe CT. Clinician and Family Caregiver Perspectives on Deprescribing Chronic Disease Medications in Older Nursing Home Residents Near the End of Life. Drugs Aging 2024; 41:367-377. [PMID: 38575748 PMCID: PMC11021174 DOI: 10.1007/s40266-024-01110-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Nursing home (NH) residents with limited life expectancy (LLE) who are intensely treated for hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or diabetes may benefit from deprescribing. OBJECTIVE This study sought to describe NH clinician and family caregiver perspectives on key influences on deprescribing decisions for chronic disease medications in NH residents near the end of life. METHODS We recruited family caregivers of veterans who recently died in a Veterans Affairs (VA) NH, known as community living centers (CLCs), and CLC healthcare clinicians (physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, pharmacists, registered nurses). Respondents completed semi-structured interviews about their experiences with deprescribing statin, antihypertensive, and antidiabetic medications for residents near end of life. We conducted thematic analysis of interview transcripts to identify key themes regarding influences on deprescribing decisions. RESULTS Thirteen family caregivers and 13 clinicians completed interviews. Key themes included (1) clinicians and caregivers both prefer to minimize drug burden; (2) clinical factors strongly influence deprescribing of chronic disease medications, with differences in how clinicians and caregivers weigh specific factors; (3) caregivers trust and rely on clinicians to make deprescribing decisions; (4) clinicians perceive caregiver involvement and buy-in as essential to deprescribing decisions, which requires time and effort to obtain; and (5) clinicians perceive conflicting care from other clinicians as a barrier to deprescribing. CONCLUSIONS Findings suggest a need for efforts to encourage communication with and education for family caregivers of residents with LLE about deprescribing, and to foster better collaboration among clinicians in CLC and non-CLC settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loren J Schleiden
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research Office Building #30, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA.
| | - Gloria Klima
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research Office Building #30, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Keri L Rodriguez
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research Office Building #30, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Mary Ersek
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jacob E Robinson
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research Office Building #30, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Ryan P Hickson
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research Office Building #30, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
- Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center (GRECC), Veterans Affairs Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Dawn Smith
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), Corporal Michael J. Crescenz VA Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - John Cashy
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research Office Building #30, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
- Veteran Experience Center, Corporal Michael J. Crescenz Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Florentina E Sileanu
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research Office Building #30, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
| | - Carolyn T Thorpe
- Center for Health Equity Research and Promotion (CHERP), VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Research Office Building #30, University Drive (151C), Pittsburgh, PA, 15240, USA
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Eshelman School of Pharmacy, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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Alhurishi SA, AlQahtani MF. Are Saudi Arabian Patients Willing to Be Deprescribed Their Medications? An Exploratory Study. Patient Prefer Adherence 2024; 18:779-786. [PMID: 38562243 PMCID: PMC10982065 DOI: 10.2147/ppa.s446873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Purpose Deprescribing is a complex process that requires active patient involvement, so the patient's attitude to deprescribing is crucial to its success. This study aimed to assess predictors of Saudi Arabian patients' willingness to deprescribe. Patients and Methods In this cross-sectional study, adult patients from two hospitals in Riyadh completed a self-administered questionnaire gathering data on demographic information and the Arabic revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questions. Descriptive analysis and binary logistic regression were used to analyze the data. Results A total of 242 patients were included (mean age 59.8 (SD 11.05) years, range 25-87 years; 40% 60-69 years; 54.1% female). The majority (90%) of participants were willing to have medications deprescribed. Willingness to deprescribe was significantly associated with the rPATD involvement factor (OR=1.866, 95% CI 1.177-2.958, p=0.008) and the patient's perception of their health status (OR=2.08, CI=1.058-4.119, p=0.034). Conclusion The majority of patients were willing to have one or more medications deprescribed if recommended by their doctors. Patient perceptions about their own health and their involvement in deprescribing were important predictive factors that could shape counseling and education strategies to encourage deprescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sultana A Alhurishi
- Community Health Sciences Department, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Green AR, Quiles R, Daddato AE, Merrey J, Weffald L, Gleason K, Xue QL, Swarthout M, Feeser S, Boyd CM, Wolff JL, Blinka MD, Libby AM, Boxer RS. Pharmacist-led telehealth deprescribing for people living with dementia and polypharmacy in primary care: A pilot study. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024. [PMID: 38488757 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 02/18/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People living with dementia (PLWD) have complex medication regimens, exposing them to increased risk of harm. Pragmatic deprescribing strategies that align with patient-care partner goals are needed. METHODS A pilot study of a pharmacist-led intervention to optimize medications with patient-care partner priorities, ran May 2021-2022 at two health systems. PLWD with ≥7 medications in primary care and a care partner were enrolled. After an introductory mailing, dyads were randomized to a pharmacist telehealth intervention immediately (intervention) or delayed by 3 months (control). Feasibility outcomes were enrollment, intervention completion, pharmacist time, and primary care provider (PCP) acceptance of recommendations. To refine pragmatic data collection protocols, we assessed the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI; primary efficacy outcome) and the Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassles Scale (FCMAHS). RESULTS 69 dyads enrolled; 27 of 34 (79%) randomized to intervention and 28 of 35 (80%) randomized to control completed the intervention. Most visits (93%) took more than 20 min and required multiple follow-up interactions (62%). PCPs responded to 82% of the pharmacists' first messages and agreed with 98% of recommendations. At 3 months, 22 (81%) patients in the intervention and 14 (50%) in the control had ≥1 medication discontinued; 21 (78%) and 12 (43%), respectively, had ≥1 new medication added. The mean number of medications decreased by 0.6 (3.4) in the intervention and 0.2 (1.7) in the control, reflecting a non-clinically meaningful 1.0 (±12.4) point reduction in the MRCI among intervention patients and a 1.2 (±12.9) point increase among control. FCMAHS scores decreased by 3.3 (±18.8) points in the intervention and 2.5 (±14.4) points in the control. CONCLUSION Though complex, pharmacist-led telehealth deprescribing is feasible and may reduce medication burden in PLWD. To align with patient-care partner goals, pharmacists recommended deprescribing and prescribing. If scalable, such interventions may optimize goal-concordant care for PLWD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel R Green
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rosalphie Quiles
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrea E Daddato
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | | | - Linda Weffald
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Kaiser Permanente Colorado, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Kathy Gleason
- Kaiser Permanente Colorado Institute for Health Research, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Qian-Li Xue
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Scott Feeser
- Johns Hopkins Community Physicians, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Cynthia M Boyd
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jennifer L Wolff
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Marcela D Blinka
- Division of Geriatric Medicine and Gerontology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Johns Hopkins Center on Aging and Health, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Anne M Libby
- Department of Emergency Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Rebecca S Boxer
- Davis Department of Medicine, University of California, Sacramento, California, USA
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18
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Murphy AL, Turner JP, Rajda M, Allen KG, Gardner DM. Prescriber Acceptability of a Direct-to-Patient Intervention for Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonist Deprescribing and Behavioural Management of Insomnia in Older Adults. Can J Aging 2024:1-9. [PMID: 38456246 DOI: 10.1017/s0714980824000114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Behavioural treatments are recommended first-line for insomnia, but long-term benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA) use remains common and engaging patients in a deprescribing consultation is challenging. Few deprescribing interventions directly target patients. Prescribers' support of patient-targeted interventions may facilitate their uptake. Recently assessed in the Your Answers When Needing Sleep in New Brunswick (YAWNS NB) study, Sleepwell (mysleepwell.ca) was developed as a direct-to-patient behaviour change intervention promoting BZRA deprescribing and non-pharmacological insomnia management. BZRA prescribers of YAWNS NB participants were invited to complete an online survey assessing the acceptability of Sleepwell as a direct-to-patient intervention. The survey was developed using the seven construct components of the theoretical framework of acceptability (TFA) framework. Respondents (40/250, 17.2%) indicated high acceptability, with positive responses per TFA construct averaging 32.3/40 (80.7%). Perceived as an ethical, credible, and useful tool, Sleepwell also promoted prescriber-patient BZRA deprescribing engagements (11/19, 58%). Prescribers were accepting of Sleepwell and supported its application as a direct-to-patient intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Murphy
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Justin P Turner
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Science, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
- Centre de recherche, Institut universitaire de gériatrie de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Malgorzata Rajda
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Sleep Disorders Clinic and Laboratory, QEII Health Sciences Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Kathleen G Allen
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - David M Gardner
- College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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19
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Silva Almodóvar A, Keller MS, Lee J, Mehta HB, Manja V, Nguyen TPP, Pavon JM, Terman SW, Hoyle D, Mixon AS, Linsky AM. Deprescribing medications among patients with multiple prescribers: A socioecological model. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:660-669. [PMID: 37943070 PMCID: PMC10947820 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
Deprescribing is the intentional dose reduction or discontinuation of a medication. The development of deprescribing interventions should take into consideration important organizational, interprofessional, and patient-specific barriers that can be further complicated by the presence of multiple prescribers involved in a patient's care. Patients who receive care from an increasing number of prescribers may experience disruptions in the timely transfer of relevant healthcare information, increasing the risk of exposure to drug-drug interactions and other medication-related problems. Furthermore, the fragmentation of healthcare information across health systems can contribute to the refilling of discontinued medications, reducing the effectiveness of deprescribing interventions. Thus, deprescribing interventions must carefully consider the unique characteristics of patients and their prescribers to ensure interventions are successfully implemented. In this special article, an international working group of physicians, pharmacists, nurses, epidemiologists, and researchers from the United States Deprescribing Research Network (USDeN) developed a socioecological model to understand how multiple prescribers may influence the implementation of a deprescribing intervention at the individual, interpersonal, organizational, and societal level. This manuscript also includes a description of the concept of multiple prescribers and outlines a research agenda for future investigations to consider. The information contained in this manuscript should be used as a framework for future deprescribing interventions to carefully consider how multiple prescribers can influence the successful implementation of the service and ensure the intervention is as effective as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Silva Almodóvar
- Institute of Therapeutic Innovations and Outcomes (ITIO), The Ohio State University College of Pharmacy, Columbus, Ohio, USA
| | - Michelle S Keller
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Jiha Lee
- Division of Rheumatology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Hemalkumar B Mehta
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Veena Manja
- Veterans Affairs Northern California Healthcare System, Mather, California, USA
- University of California Davis, Sacramento, California, USA
| | - Thanh Phuong Pham Nguyen
- Department of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Informatics, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Juliessa M Pavon
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Internal Medicine, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Samuel W Terman
- Department of Neurology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Daniel Hoyle
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Australia
| | - Amanda S Mixon
- Section of Hospital Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee, USA
| | - Amy M Linsky
- General Internal Medicine, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Center for Healthcare Organization and Implementation Research, Veterans Affairs Boston Healthcare System, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- General Internal Medicine, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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20
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Weir KR, Jungo KT, Streit S. Older adults' adherence to medications and willingness to deprescribe: A substudy of a randomized clinical trial. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 90:905-911. [PMID: 37953525 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15966] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Our study investigated the association between patients' willingness to have medications deprescribed and medication adherence. This longitudinal substudy of the 'Optimizing PharmacoTherapy In the Multimorbid Elderly in Primary CAre' (OPTICA) trial, a cluster randomized controlled trial, took place in Swiss primary care settings. Participants were aged ≥65 years and over, with ≥3 chronic conditions and ≥5 regular medications. At baseline, the 'revised Patient Attitudes Towards Deprescribing' (rPATD) questionnaire was measured. The A14-scale measured adherence (self-report) at the 12-month follow-up. Multilevel linear regression analyses adjusted for baseline variables were performed. Of the 298 participants, 45% were women, and the median age was 78. Participants reported a high level of adherence and willingness to have medications deprescribed. We did not find evidence for an association between patients' willingness to deprescribe and medication adherence. Further research is needed to explore the relationship between these concepts and to inform collaborative decisions about medicines in the context of polypharmacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristie Rebecca Weir
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Institute of Primary Health Care BIHAM, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Katharina Tabea Jungo
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Institute of Primary Health Care BIHAM, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Center for Healthcare Delivery Sciences, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Division of Pharmacoepidemiology and Pharmacoeconomics, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Sven Streit
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Institute of Primary Health Care BIHAM, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
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21
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Koren A, Koren L, Marcec R, Marcinko D, Likic R. Evolving Trends and Economic Burden of Benzodiazepine Use: Insights From a 10-Year Predictive Model. Value Health Reg Issues 2024; 40:70-73. [PMID: 37984023 DOI: 10.1016/j.vhri.2023.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Benzodiazepines (BZDs) are widely prescribed in Croatia to treat anxiety, insomnia, mood disorders, and epileptic seizures. Long-term BZD use is associated with memory loss, Alzheimer's disease, dependence, addiction, falls in elderly populations, and increased traffic accident risk. METHODS Drug consumption data were obtained from the Agency for Medicinal Products and Medical Devices of Croatia website. Autoregressive integrated moving average models, constructed using R programming language, forecasted diazepam, alprazolam, and overall BZD utilization and financial costs at a national level over 10 years. RESULTS BZD consumption increased by up to 18.6% between 2012 and 2020. During the same period, diazepam utilization rose by 29.1%, and alprazolam consumption increased by 19.4%. Our model predicts that, by 2032, BZD, diazepam, and alprazolam utilization will increase substantially. The total projected financial expenditure for BZDs in 2032 is estimated at 14.22 million euros, with diazepam and alprazolam expenditures at 7.39 and 4.12 million euros, respectively. These increases will result in significant growth in healthcare spending and a rise in adverse effects related to long-term use. CONCLUSIONS National healthcare decision makers should consider implementing regulatory and legislative measures to quantify, specify, and limit monthly BZD use for each patient. This would help control the negative side effects of prolonged BZD use while continuing to provide treatment for patients who genuinely need it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andro Koren
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Luciana Koren
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Marcec
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Darko Marcinko
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Department for Psychiatry, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Robert Likic
- School of Medicine, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia; Division for Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Department for Internal Medicine, Clinical Hospital Centre Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia.
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Okafor CE, Keramat SA, Comans T, Page AT, Potter K, Hilmer SN, Lindley RI, Mangin D, Naganathan V, Etherton-Beer C. Cost-Consequence Analysis of Deprescribing to Optimize Health Outcomes for Frail Older People: A Within-Trial Analysis. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:539-544.e2. [PMID: 38307120 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/04/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The structured, clinically supervised withdrawal of medicines, known as deprescribing, is one strategy to address inappropriate polypharmacy. This study aimed to evaluate the costs and consequences of deprescribing in frail older people living in residential aged care facilities (RACFs) in Australia. DESIGN A within-trial cost-consequence analysis of a deprescribing intervention-Opti-Med. The Opti-Med double-blind randomized controlled trial of deprescribing included 3 groups: blinded control, blinded intervention, and an open intervention group. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Seventeen RACFs in Western Australia and New South Wales. Participants were 303 older people living in participating RACFs from March 2014 to February 2019. METHODS Analysis was conducted from the health sector perspective. Health economic outcomes assessed include cost saved from deprescribed medicines and the incremental quality-adjusted life-years. Costs were presented in 2022 Australian dollars. RESULTS The total cost of the Opti-Med intervention was $239.13 per participant. The costs saved through deprescribed medicines over 12 months after adjusting for mortality within the trial period was $328.90 per participant in the blinded intervention group and $164.00 per participant in the open intervention group. On average, the cost of the intervention was more than offset by the cost saved from deprescribed medicines. Extrapolating these findings to the Australian population suggests a potential net cost saving of about $1 to $16 million per annum for the health system nationally. The incremental quality-adjusted life-years were very similar across the 3 groups within the trial period. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Deprescribing for frail older people living in RACFs can be a cost-saving intervention without reducing the quality of life. Systemwide implementation of deprescribing across RACFs in Australia has the potential to improve health care delivery through the cost savings, which could be reapplied to further optimize care within RACFs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles E Okafor
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia.
| | - Syed Afroz Keramat
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tracy Comans
- Centre for Health Services Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Amy T Page
- Western Australia Centre for Health and Ageing, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | | | - Sarah N Hilmer
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Kolling Institute, Northern Sydney Local Health District and The University of Sydney, St Leonards, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Richard I Lindley
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; The George Institute for Global Health, Barangaroo, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dee Mangin
- McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada; University of Otago, Christchurch Central City, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Vasi Naganathan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Department of Geriatric Medicine, Centre of Education and Research in Ageing, Concord Repatriation Hospital, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Christopher Etherton-Beer
- Western Australia Centre for Health and Ageing, University of Western Australia, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
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23
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Bužančić I, Belec D, Držaić M, Kummer I, Brkić J, Fialová D, Ortner Hadžiabdić M. Clinical decision-making in benzodiazepine deprescribing by healthcare providers vs. AI-assisted approach. Br J Clin Pharmacol 2024; 90:662-674. [PMID: 37949663 DOI: 10.1111/bcp.15963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Revised: 10/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/29/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
AIMS The aim of this study was to compare the clinical decision-making for benzodiazepine deprescribing between a healthcare provider (HCP) and an artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot GPT4 (ChatGPT-4). METHODS We analysed real-world data from a Croatian cohort of community-dwelling benzodiazepine patients (n = 154) within the EuroAgeism H2020 ESR 7 project. HCPs evaluated the data using pre-established deprescribing criteria to assess benzodiazepine discontinuation potential. The research team devised and tested AI prompts to ensure consistency with HCP judgements. An independent researcher employed ChatGPT-4 with predetermined prompts to simulate clinical decisions for each patient case. Data derived from human-HCP and ChatGPT-4 decisions were compared for agreement rates and Cohen's kappa. RESULTS Both HPC and ChatGPT identified patients for benzodiazepine deprescribing (96.1% and 89.6%, respectively), showing an agreement rate of 95% (κ = .200, P = .012). Agreement on four deprescribing criteria ranged from 74.7% to 91.3% (lack of indication κ = .352, P < .001; prolonged use κ = .088, P = .280; safety concerns κ = .123, P = .006; incorrect dosage κ = .264, P = .001). Important limitations of GPT-4 responses were identified, including 22.1% ambiguous outputs, generic answers and inaccuracies, posing inappropriate decision-making risks. CONCLUSIONS While AI-HCP agreement is substantial, sole AI reliance poses a risk for unsuitable clinical decision-making. This study's findings reveal both strengths and areas for enhancement of ChatGPT-4 in the deprescribing recommendations within a real-world sample. Our study underscores the need for additional research on chatbot functionality in patient therapy decision-making, further fostering the advancement of AI for optimal performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Bužančić
- Center for Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- City Pharmacy Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Dora Belec
- Center for Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Margita Držaić
- Center for Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- City Pharmacy Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Ingrid Kummer
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
| | - Jovana Brkić
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- Department of Social Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Legislation, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Belgrade, Belgrade, Serbia
| | - Daniela Fialová
- Department of Social and Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy in Hradec Králové, Charles University, Hradec Králové, Czech Republic
- Department of Geriatrics and Gerontology, 1st Faculty of Medicine in Prague, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Maja Ortner Hadžiabdić
- Center for Applied Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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24
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Brunetti E, Presta R, Okoye C, Filippini C, Raspo S, Bruno G, Marabotto M, Monzani F, Bo M. Predictors and Outcomes of Oral Anticoagulant Deprescribing in Geriatric Inpatients With Atrial Fibrillation: A Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:545-551.e4. [PMID: 38359897 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2024.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate prevalence and predictors of oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) deprescribing in older inpatients with atrial fibrillation (AF), and its association with 1-year incidence of major clinical outcomes. DESIGN Multicenter retrospective cohort study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS Inpatients aged ≥75 years with known AF on OAT at admission discharged from 3 Italian acute geriatric wards between January 2014 and July 2018. METHODS Data from a routine Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), along with OAT status at discharge were recorded. One-year incidence of all-cause death, stroke or systemic embolism (SSE), and major and clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (MB/CRNMB) were retrieved from administrative databases. Associations were explored through multilevel analysis. RESULTS Among 1578 patients (median age 86 years, 56.3% female), OAT deprescription (341 patients, 21.6%) was associated with bleeding risk, functional dependence and cognitive impairment, and inversely, with previous SSE and chronic AF. Incidences of death, SSE, and MB/CRNMB were 56.6%, 1.5%, and 4.1%, respectively, in OAT-deprescribed patients, and 37.6%, 2.9%, and 4.9%, respectively, in OAT-continued patients, without significant differences between groups. OAT deprescription was associated with all-cause mortality [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.41, 95% CI 1.68-1.85], along with older age, comorbidity burden, cognitive impairment, and functional dependence, but with neither SSE nor MB/CRNMB incidence, as opposed to being alive and free from SSE and MB/CNRMB, respectively (aOR 0.68, 95% CI 0.25-1.82, and aOR 0.95 95% CI 0.49-1.85, respectively). Conversely, OAT deprescription was associated with higher odds of being dead than alive both in patients free from SSE and in those free from MB/CRNMB. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS CGA-based OAT deprescribing is common in acute geriatric wards and is not associated with increased SSE. The net clinical benefit of OAT in geriatric patients is strongly related with the competing risk of death, suggesting that functional and cognitive status, as well as residual life expectancy, should be considered in clinical decision making in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enrico Brunetti
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy; Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
| | - Roberto Presta
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Chukwuma Okoye
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy; University of Milano-Bicocca, School of Medicine and Surgery, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Silvio Raspo
- Geriatrics Unit, Hospital Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - Gerardo Bruno
- Geriatrics Unit, Hospital Santa Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | | | - Fabio Monzani
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Hospital of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Bo
- Geriatrics Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, University Hospital Città della Salute e della Scienza di Torino, Turin, Italy
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Riveras A, Crul M, van der Kloes J, Steegers M, Huisman B. A Tool for Deprescribing Antithrombotic Medication in Palliative Cancer Patients: A Retrospective Evaluation. J Pain Palliat Care Pharmacother 2024; 38:20-27. [PMID: 38109061 DOI: 10.1080/15360288.2023.2288093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Treating palliative cancer patients with antithrombotics is challenging because of the higher risk for both venous thromboembolism and major bleeding. There is a lack of available guidelines on deprescribing potentially inappropriate antithrombotics. We have therefore created an antithrombotics scheme to aid in (de)prescribing antithrombotics. A retrospective single-center clinical cohort observational study was performed to evaluate it. Patients with solid tumors with a life expectancy of less than 3 months seen by the palliative team were included. Comparisons were made between patients who were treated according to the antithrombotics scheme and those who were not. 47.6% of patients used antithrombotics. One hundred and eleven patients were included for analysis. Most patients used antithrombotics according to the scheme (n = 80, 72.1%). Eleven patients experienced a clinical event, seven patients in the scheme adherence group (9.9%) and four in the no scheme adherence group (13.8%), which was not statistically significant (p = 0.726). The higher frequency of clinical events in the group without scheme adherence suggests that (de)prescribing antithrombotics according to the antithrombotics scheme is safe. The results of this study suggest that the antithrombotics scheme could aid healthcare professionals identifying possible inappropriate antithrombotics in palliative cancer patients. Further prospective research is needed to investigate this tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Riveras
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam Crul
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jozien van der Kloes
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacy, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Monique Steegers
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Bregje Huisman
- Department of Anesthesiology, Amsterdam University Medical Center, location Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Kose E, Matsumoto A, Yoshimura Y. Deprescribing psychotropic medications is associated with improvements in activities of daily living in post-stroke patients. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24:275-282. [PMID: 38284155 DOI: 10.1111/ggi.14811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
AIMS To examine the effect of deprescribing psychotropic medications on activities of daily living (ADLs) and swallowing function in patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation following a stroke. METHODS In this retrospective cohort study, patients who underwent convalescent rehabilitation after a stroke were divided into two groups: deprescribing (number of psychotropic medications decreased during hospitalization) and non-deprescribing (number of psychotropic medications increased or remained unchanged). The primary outcome measure was ADLs assessed using the Functional Independence-Measured Motor Activity (FIM-motor) score at discharge. A multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent association between deprescribing psychotropic medications and rehabilitation outcomes. RESULTS Of the 586 patients enrolled, 128 with a mean age of 74.1 ± 12.7 years were included in the final analysis after being prescribed psychotropic medications, with 36 of them (28.1%) in the deprescribing group. Multiple linear regression analysis revealed that deprescribing psychotropic medications was independently associated with FIM-motor function at discharge. CONCLUSIONS Deprescribing psychotropic medications is positively associated with improvements in ADLs among patients undergoing convalescent rehabilitation after a stroke. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 275-282.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eiji Kose
- Department of Pharmacy, Juntendo University Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ayaka Matsumoto
- Center for Sarcopenia and Malnutrition Research, Kumamoto Rehabilitation Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Yoshimura
- Center for Sarcopenia and Malnutrition Research, Kumamoto Rehabilitation Hospital, Kumamoto, Japan
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27
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Gareri P, Gallelli L, Gareri I, Rania V, Palleria C, De Sarro G. Deprescribing in Older Poly-Treated Patients Affected with Dementia. Geriatrics (Basel) 2024; 9:28. [PMID: 38525745 PMCID: PMC10961769 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9020028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2024] [Revised: 02/18/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Polypharmacy is an important issue in older patients affected by dementia because they are very vulnerable to the side effects of drugs'. Between October 2021 and September 2022, we randomly assessed 205 old-aged outpatients. The study was carried out in a Center for Dementia in collaboration with a university center. The primary outcomes were: (1) deprescribing inappropriate drugs through the Beers and STOPP&START criteria; (2) assessing duplicate drugs and the risk of iatrogenic damage due to drug-drug and drug-disease interactions. Overall, 69 men and 136 women (mean age 82.7 ± 7.4 years) were assessed. Of these, 91 patients were home care patients and 114 were outpatient. The average number of the drugs used in the sample was 9.4 drugs per patient; after the first visit and the consequent deprescribing process, the average dropped to 8.7 drugs per patient (p = 0.04). Overall, 74 potentially inappropriate drugs were used (36.1%). Of these, long half-life benzodiazepines (8.8%), non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (3.4%), tricyclic antidepressants (3.4%), first-generation antihistamines (1.4%), anticholinergics (11.7%), antiplatelet drugs (i.e., ticlopidine) (1.4%), prokinetics in chronic use (1.4%), digoxin (>0.125 mg/day) (1.4%), antiarrhythmics (i.e., amiodarone) (0.97%), and α-blockers (1.9%) were included. The so-called "duplicate" drugs were overall 26 (12.7%). In total, ten potentially dangerous prescriptions were found for possible interactions (4.8%). We underline the importance of checking all the drugs taken periodically and discontinuing drugs with the lowest benefit-to-harm ratio and the lowest probability of adverse reactions due to withdrawal. Computer tools and adequately trained teams (doctors, nurses, and pharmacists) could identify, treat, and prevent possible drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Gareri
- Department of Frailty, Center for Cognitive Disorders and Dementia (CDCD) Catanzaro Lido—ASP Catanzaro, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Luca Gallelli
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, “Renato Dulbecco” University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (V.R.); (G.D.S.)
- Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (I.G.); (C.P.)
- Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Ilaria Gareri
- Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (I.G.); (C.P.)
| | - Vincenzo Rania
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, “Renato Dulbecco” University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (V.R.); (G.D.S.)
| | - Caterina Palleria
- Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (I.G.); (C.P.)
- Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Giovambattista De Sarro
- Unit of Clinical Pharmacology and Pharmacovigilance, “Renato Dulbecco” University Hospital, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (L.G.); (V.R.); (G.D.S.)
- Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy; (I.G.); (C.P.)
- Research Center FAS@UMG, Department of Health Science, Magna Graecia University, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Pavon JM, Davidson S, Sloane R, Pepin M, Bryan W, Bailey J, Igwe I, Colón-Emeric C. Deprescribing electronic case reviews for older veterans at risk for falls: Effects on drug burden and falls. J Am Geriatr Soc 2024; 72:433-443. [PMID: 37941488 PMCID: PMC10922092 DOI: 10.1111/jgs.18650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Falls are the most common medication-related safety event in older adults. Deprescribing fall risk-increasing drugs (FRIDs) may mitigate fall risk. This study assesses the effects of an innovative deprescribing program in reducing FRID burden and falls-related acute visits over 1 year. METHODS The Falls Assessment of Medications in the Elderly (FAME) Program is a pilot deprescribing program designed to improve medication safety in Veterans aged ≥65, screening positive for high fall risk at the Durham Veterans Affairs Health Care System. Central case finding and electronic case reviews with deprescribing recommendations were completed by an interdisciplinary team, forwarded to prescribers for approval, then implemented during follow-up telephone visits by FAME team. Primary outcome was change in FRID burden calculated by modified Drug Burden Index (DBI) at 1 year and an exploratory outcome was 1-year fall-related acute visits. RESULTS Overall, 472 patients (236 intervention cases, 236 matched controls) were included in the study. Of the 236 patients receiving a FAME deprescribing plan, 147 had recommendations approved by prescriber and patient. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the 1-year change in modified DBI was -0.15 (95% CI -0.23, -0.08) in the intervention cohort and -0.11 (-0.21, -0.00) in the matched control cohort (p = 0.47). The odds of increasing DBI by a clinically important threshold of 0.5 was significantly lower in the FAME cohort (OR 0.37, 0.21, 0.66). Fall-related acute events occurred in 6.3% of patients in the intervention group versus 11.0% in control patients over a one-year period (p = 0.10). CONCLUSIONS The program was associated with a significantly lower odds of further increasing FRID burden at 1 year compared to matched controls. An electronic case review and telephone counseling program has the potential to reduce drug-related falls in high-risk older adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliessa M. Pavon
- Duke University, Department of Medicine/Division of Geriatrics, Durham, NC
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System
- Duke University Claude D. Pepper Center, Durham, NC
| | - Spencer Davidson
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System
| | - Richard Sloane
- Duke University, Department of Medicine/Division of Geriatrics, Durham, NC
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System
- Duke University Claude D. Pepper Center, Durham, NC
| | - Marc Pepin
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System
| | - William Bryan
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System
| | - Janine Bailey
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System
| | - Ivuoma Igwe
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System
| | - Cathleen Colón-Emeric
- Duke University, Department of Medicine/Division of Geriatrics, Durham, NC
- Geriatric Research Education Clinical Center, Durham Veteran Affairs Health Care System
- Duke University Claude D. Pepper Center, Durham, NC
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Thompson W, McDonald EG. Polypharmacy and Deprescribing in Older Adults. Annu Rev Med 2024; 75:113-127. [PMID: 37729029 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-med-070822-101947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Older adults commonly end up on many medications. Deprescribing is an important part of individualizing care for older adults. It is an opportunity to discuss treatment options and revisit medications that may not have been reassessed in many years. A large evidence base exists in the field, suggesting that deprescribing is feasible and safe, though questions remain about the potential clinical benefits. Deprescribing research faces a myriad of challenges, such as identifying and employing the optimal outcome measures. Further, there is uncertainty about which deprescribing approaches are likely to be most effective and in what contexts. Evidence on barriers and facilitators to deprescribing has underscored how deprescribing in routine clinical practice can be complex and challenging. Thus, finding practical, sustainable ways to implement deprescribing is a priority for future research in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wade Thompson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada;
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Emily G McDonald
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada;
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
- Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
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Tran HTM, Roman C, Yip G, Dooley M, Salahudeen MS, Mitra B. Influence of Potentially Inappropriate Medication Use on Older Australians' Admission to Emergency Department Short Stay. Geriatrics (Basel) 2024; 9:6. [PMID: 38247981 PMCID: PMC10801464 DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics9010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Older people in the emergency department (ED) often pose complex medical challenges, with a significant prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medicines (PIMs) in Australia. A retrospective analysis of 200 consecutive patients aged over 65 years admitted to the emergency short stay unit (ESSU) aimed to identify polypharmacy (five or more regular medications), assess PIM prevalence, and explore the link between pre-admission PIMs and ESSU admissions. STOPP/START version 2 criteria were used for the PIM assessment, with an expert panel categorizing associated risks. Polypharmacy was observed in 161 patients (80.5%), who were older (mean age 82 versus 76 years) and took more regular medications (median 9 versus 3). One hundred and eighty-five (92.5%) patients had at least one PIM, 81 patients (40.5%) had STOPP PIMs, and 177 patients (88.5%) had START omissions. Polypharmacy significantly correlated with STOPP PIM (OR 4.8; 95%CI: 1.90-12.1), and for each additional medication the adjusted odds of having a STOPP PIM increased by 1.20 (95%CI: 1.11-1.28). Nineteen admissions (9.5%) were attributed to one or more PIMs (total 21 PIMs). Of these PIMs, the expert panel rated eight (38%) as high risk, five (24%) as moderate risk, and eight (38%) as low risk for causing hospital admission. The most common PIMs were benzodiazepines, accounting for 14 cases (73.6%). Older ESSU-admitted patients commonly presented with polypharmacy and PIMs, potentially contributing to their admission.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoa T. M. Tran
- Department of Pharmacy and Emergency and Trauma Centre, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia
| | - Cristina Roman
- Department of Pharmacy and Emergency and Trauma Centre, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Gary Yip
- Department of General Medicine, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
| | - Michael Dooley
- Department of Pharmacy, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
| | - Mohammed S. Salahudeen
- School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Tasmania, Hobart, TAS 7005, Australia
| | - Biswadev Mitra
- Emergency and Trauma Centre, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia;
- School of Public Health & Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC 3004, Australia
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Alwidyan T, McCorry NK, Black C, Coulter R, Forbes J, Parsons C. Prescribing and deprescribing in older people with life-limiting illnesses receiving hospice care at the end of life: A longitudinal, retrospective cohort study. Palliat Med 2024; 38:121-130. [PMID: 38032069 PMCID: PMC10798021 DOI: 10.1177/02692163231209024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although prescribing and deprescribing practices in older people have been the subject of much research generally, there are limited data in older people at the end of life. This highlights the need for research to determine prescribing and deprescribing patterns, as a first step to facilitate guideline development for medicines optimisation in this vulnerable population. AIMS To examine prescribing and deprescribing patterns in older people at the end of life and to determine the prevalence of potentially inappropriate medication use. DESIGN A longitudinal, retrospective cohort study where medical records of eligible participants were reviewed, and data extracted. Medication appropriateness was assessed using two sets of consensus-based criteria; the STOPPFrail criteria and criteria developed by Morin et al. SETTING/PARTICIPANTS Decedents aged 65 years and older admitted continuously for at least 14 days before death to three inpatient hospice units across Northern Ireland, who died between 1st January and 31st December 2018, and who had a known diagnosis, known cause of death and prescription data. Unexpected/sudden deaths were excluded. RESULTS Polypharmacy was reported to be continued until death in 96.2% of 106 decedents (mean age of 75.6 years). Most patients received at least one potentially inappropriate medication at the end of life according to the STOPPFrail and the criteria developed by Morin et al. (57.5 and 69.8% respectively). Limited prevalence of proactive deprescribing interventions was observed. CONCLUSIONS In the absence of systematic rationalisation of drug treatments, a substantial proportion of older patients continued to receive potentially inappropriate medication until death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tahani Alwidyan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Hashemite University, Zarqa, Jordan
| | - Noleen K McCorry
- School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | | | | | - June Forbes
- Northern Ireland Hospice, Belfast, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Carole Parsons
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
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Zidan A, Awaisu A. Inappropriate polypharmacy management versus deprescribing: A review on their relationship. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:6-14. [PMID: 37350370 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Abstract
Medication burden and polypharmacy are highly prevalent among patients with multimorbidity. There have been multiple initiatives to overcome polypharmacy and medication burden in patients with multimorbidity. These initiatives have evolved over time as effective in reducing the negative health consequences of polypharmacy. In recent years, the concept and practice of deprescribing has emerged and gained popularity as an efficient comprehensive approach to manage polypharmacy and ultimately improve health outcomes. Clinicians and researchers with interest in deprescribing view it as a novel and unique strategy that should be a part of effective prescribing process. However, other traditional polypharmacy management strategies such as drug review and medication therapy management still coexist. It is intriguing if deprescribing is considered as a type of these strategies or not. This narrative mini-review explored published literature in an effort to ascertain the differences and similarities between deprescribing and other prominent polypharmacy management interventions. It is clear that there is an overlap between deprescribing and inappropriate polypharmacy management. This is represented by focusing on multimorbid older adults, using similar explicit and implicit tools and having drug review as the core principle of both approaches. This overlap has probably made deprescribing considered as one of polypharmacy management approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amani Zidan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
| | - Ahmed Awaisu
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Practice, College of Pharmacy, QU Health, Qatar University, Doha, Qatar
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Lundby C, Nielsen M, Simonsen T, Galsgaard S, Haastrup MB, Ravn-Nielsen LV, Pottegård A. Attitudes towards deprescribing in geriatric psychiatry: A survey among older psychiatric outpatients. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:97-106. [PMID: 37823673 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the patient perspective is a significant part of the deprescribing process. This study aimed to explore the attitudes of older patients with psychiatric disorders towards deprescribing. A total of 72 of psychiatric outpatients (68% women; median age 76 years) completed the validated Danish version of the revised Patients' Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire. Patients used a median of eight medications (interquartile range 6-12), with 88%, 49% and 24% using antidepressants, antipsychotics and anxiolytics, respectively. Fifty-one percent of patients reported an intrinsic desire to stop one of their medications, while 92% would be willing to stop one on their physician's advice. Seventy-five percent of patients would be worried about missing out on future benefits following deprescribing and 37% had previous bad deprescribing experiences. Use of ≥8 regular medications was associated with more concerns about stopping medication and greater perceived burden of using medication, while use of antipsychotics was not associated with any differences in rPATD factor scores. It is crucial for health care professionals to be aware of patients' specific concerns and past experiences to promote a patient-centred deprescribing approach that takes into account the needs and preferences of older patients with psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carina Lundby
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Odense Deprescribing Initiative (ODIN), Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Marianne Nielsen
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Trine Simonsen
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Stine Galsgaard
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
| | - Maija Bruun Haastrup
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
| | | | - Anton Pottegård
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense C, Denmark
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
- Odense Deprescribing Initiative (ODIN), Odense University Hospital and University of Southern Denmark, Odense C, Denmark
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Sirois C, Gosselin M, Laforce C, Gagnon ME, Talbot D. How does deprescribing (not) reduce mortality? A review of a meta-analysis in community-dwelling older adults casts uncertainty over claimed benefits. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:51-62. [PMID: 37376746 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
Some meta-analyses suggest that deprescribing may reduce mortality. Our aim was to determine the underlying factors contributing to this observed reduction. We analysed data from 12 randomized controlled trials included in the latest meta-analysis on deprescribing in community-dwelling older adults. Our analysis focused on deprescribed medications and potential methodological concerns. Only a third (4/12) of the trials aimed to study mortality, and that too as a secondary outcome. Five trials reported a reduction in total medications, potentially inappropriate medications or drug-related problems. Information on specific classes of deprescribed medications was limited, although a wide array was concerned (e.g., antihypertensive, sedative, gastro-intestinal medications and vitamins). Follow-up periods were ≤1 year in 11 trials, and five trials included ≤150 participants. Small sample sizes often resulted in imbalanced groups (e.g., comorbidities, number of potentially inappropriate medications), yet no trials presented multivariable analyses. In the two trials with the most weight in the meta-analysis, several deaths occurred before the intervention, making it difficult to draw conclusions about the impact of the deprescribing intervention on mortality. These methodological issues cast significant uncertainty on the benefits of deprescribing on mortality outcomes. Large-scale, well-designed trials are needed to address this issue effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Sirois
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre d'excellence sur le vieillissement de Québec and VITAM- Centre de recherche en santé durable, Québec, Canada
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec- Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | - Maude Gosselin
- Centre d'excellence sur le vieillissement de Québec and VITAM- Centre de recherche en santé durable, Québec, Canada
- Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Eve Gagnon
- Faculté de pharmacie, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Centre d'excellence sur le vieillissement de Québec and VITAM- Centre de recherche en santé durable, Québec, Canada
- Département des sciences de la santé, Université du Québec à Rimouski, Rimouski, Canada
| | - Denis Talbot
- Centre de recherche du CHU de Québec- Université Laval, Québec, Canada
- Faculté de médecine, Université Laval, Québec, Canada
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Shrestha S, Poudel A, Steadman KJ, Nissen LM. Deprescribing Tool for Older PeoPle with Limited-life Expectancy (De-TOPPLE) version 1: Development and validation using a modified Delphi technique. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:15-27. [PMID: 37264733 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Deprescribing decision making in older adults with limited life expectancy is often challenging for clinicians. We aimed to develop and validate a Deprescribing Tool for Older People with Limited-life Expectancy (De-TOPPLE). Modified Delphi technique was used to gain experts' consensus on the tool and further develop using their feedback. Experts [Round-1 (n = 13), Round-2 (n = 7)] had clinical and/or research background on geriatric medicine, geriatrics, family medicine or pharmacotherapy. Round-1 consensus was achieved on approach taken by the tool to evaluate risk and benefit; distinguishing medications as preventive, symptom control or dual-purpose; referring to established deprescribing process; stepwise approach to deprescribing; and the overall concept. Common feedback was to reflect upon harm-benefit analysis, distinguish medication types earlier, qualify adverse events, use time-to-benefit (TTB), prioritise symptom relief, monitor post-deprescribing, include shared decision making and define terms for clinical familiarisation. After tool update, Round-2 consensus was achieved on usability in clinical setting, flexibility of implicit judgement, ceasing preventive medication with inadequate TTB, ceasing symptom control medication with inadequate symptom relief, ceasing dual-purpose medication (DPM) with inadequate TTB and symptom relief, and continuing DPM with adequate TTB and symptom relief. De-TOPPLE version 1 was developed and validated through two rounds of the Delphi process. Clinical use of the tool needs final validation following the addition of contextual statements to the tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shakti Shrestha
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Arjun Poudel
- School of Clinical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Kathryn J Steadman
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Lisa M Nissen
- Centre for the Business and Economics of Health, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Fay C, Bonsergent M, Saillard J, Huon JF, Prot-Labarthe S. Exploration of the barriers and enablers of benzodiazepines deprescribing in prisons: A qualitative study among health and social care professionals. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:28-38. [PMID: 37276582 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13910] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prison environment is a place of high consumption of benzodiazepines (BZDs) due to the anxiety and sleep disturbances, mental disorders, detoxification and trafficking. OBJECTIVE The study aims to explore experiences of health and social care professionals on the use of BZDs in prisons, as well as the barriers and enablers to their deprescribing. METHOD Semistructured individual interviews with professionals working in a prison setting were performed between March and April 2022, based on an interview guide. They were recorded and transcribed using the NVivo software. A qualitative analysis using an inductive approach based on a thematic analysis was performed. RESULTS Sixteen health professionals were interviewed, including psychiatrists, general practitioners, nurses, pharmacists, psychologists, musicologists and pharmacy technicians. The identified barriers to deprescribing BZDs were problems of coordination between prescribers, lack of time and alternatives. Concerning the enablers, therapeutic education groups, staff's awareness of the irrelevance of some medication and multi-professional advice were identified. DISCUSSION This study highlights the similarities in deprescribing difficulties between prison and other settings. Some of the levers identified in our study have shown their effectiveness in different settings. CONCLUSION Deprescribing is done most of the time in good conditions but requires an additional delay compared to the outside environment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Jean-François Huon
- CHU Nantes, Pharmacy, Nantes University, France
- INSERM, MethodS in Patients-centered outcomes and HEalth Research, SPHERE, Nantes, France
| | - Sonia Prot-Labarthe
- CHU Nantes, Pharmacy, Nantes University, France
- Inserm, ECEVE, Paris Cité University, Paris, France
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Olesen AE, Vaever TJ, Simonsen M, Simonsen PG, Høj K. Deprescribing in primary care without deterioration of health-related outcomes: A real-life, quality improvement project. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:72-82. [PMID: 37400998 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023]
Abstract
Medication reviews focusing on deprescribing can reduce potentially inappropriate medication; however, evidence regarding effects on health-related outcomes is sparse. In a real-life quality improvement project using a newly developed chronic care model, we investigated how a general practitioner-led medication review intervention focusing on deprescribing affected health-related outcomes. We performed a before-after intervention study including care home residents and community-dwelling patients affiliated with a large Danish general practice. The primary outcomes were changes in self-reported health status, general condition and functional level from baseline to 3-4 months follow-up. Of the 105 included patients, 87 completed the follow-up. From baseline to follow-up, 255 medication changes were made, of which 83% were deprescribing. Mean self-reported health status increased (0.55 [95% CI: 0.22 to 0.87]); the proportion with general condition rated as 'average or above' was stable (0.06 [95% CI: -0.02 to 0.14]); and the proportion with functional level 'without any disability' was stable (-0.05 [95% CI: -0.09 to 0.001]). In conclusion, this general practitioner-led medication review intervention was associated with deprescribing and increased self-reported health status without the deterioration of general condition or functional level in real-life primary care patients. The results should be interpreted carefully given the small sample size and lack of control group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Estrup Olesen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Tanja Joest Vaever
- Centre for Health and Care, Municipality of Frederikshavn, Frederikshavn, Denmark
| | - Martin Simonsen
- General practitioner practice 'Laegeklinikken Frederikshavn', Frederikshavn, Denmark
| | | | - Kirsten Høj
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark
- Research Unit for General Practice, Aarhus, Denmark
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Ailabouni NJ, Weir KR, Brandt N, Hanjani LS, Green A, Thompson W, Freeman CR, Mangin D, Bohill R, Furst C, Reeve E. Partnering with a stakeholder steering group to co-design the PRIME deprescribing conversation tool: Reflections and recommendations. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:121-125. [PMID: 37635281 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Nagham J Ailabouni
- The Pharmacy Australian Centre of Excellence (PACE), School of Pharmacy, Health and Behavioural Sciences Faculty, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, South Australia, Australia
| | - Kristie Rebecca Weir
- Institute of Primary Health Care, The University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Sydney School of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicole Brandt
- Peter Lamy Centre on Drug Therapy and Aging, School of Pharmacy, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Leila Shafiee Hanjani
- The Pharmacy Australian Centre of Excellence (PACE), School of Pharmacy, Health and Behavioural Sciences Faculty, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Ariel Green
- Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Wade Thompson
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of British Columbia, Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Christopher R Freeman
- The Pharmacy Australian Centre of Excellence (PACE), School of Pharmacy, Health and Behavioural Sciences Faculty, University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, South Australia, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Queensland, Australia
- Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Herston, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dee Mangin
- Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Health Sciences McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand
| | - Ruth Bohill
- Consumer advocate, Dementia Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Chloe Furst
- Aged care service (Geriatric medicine), Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Emily Reeve
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, South Australia, Australia
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
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Lundby C, Thompson W. Advancing deprescribing: Learnings from the first international conference on deprescribing. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:3-5. [PMID: 37984365 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Carina Lundby
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy, and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Wade Thompson
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
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Cheng CHJ, Langford AV, Gnjidic D, Farrell BJ, Schneider CR. Survey content validation evaluating the dissemination and implementation of deprescribing guidelines. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:63-71. [PMID: 37357339 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Policies, protocols and processes within organisations can facilitate or hinder guideline adoption. There is limited knowledge on the strategies used by organisations to disseminate and implement evidence-based deprescribing guidelines or their impact. METHODS We aimed to develop an online survey targeting key organisations involved in deprescribing guideline endorsement, dissemination, modification or translation internationally. Survey questions were drafted, mirroring the six components of the reach, effectiveness, adoption, implementation and maintenance (RE-AIM) framework. Content validation was undertaken and established by a panel of clinicians, researchers and implementation experts. RESULTS A 52-item survey underwent two rounds of content validation. The minimum threshold (I-CVI > 0.78) for relevance and importance was met for 39 items (75%) in the first round and 44 of 48 items (92%) in the second round. The expert panel concluded that the adoption, implementation and effectiveness survey sections were largely relevant and important to this topic, whereas the reach and maintenance sections were harder to understand and may be less pertinent to the research question. CONCLUSIONS A 44-item survey investigating dissemination and implementation strategies for deprescribing guidelines has been developed and its content validated. Widespread survey distribution may identify effective strategies and inform dissemination and implementation planning for newly developed guidelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Hei Justin Cheng
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Aili V Langford
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Centre of Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University (Parkville Campus), Parkville, Australia
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Barbara J Farrell
- Bruyère Research Institute, Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
- School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Carl R Schneider
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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Morel T, Heinrich CH, Zerah L, Hurley E, Christiaens A, Fournier JP. Use of deprescribing search filters in systematic review search strategies: A case study. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:116-120. [PMID: 37264997 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Two deprescribing search filters for MEDLINE and one deprescribing search filter for Embase have been recently developed, including objectively developed search filters. The objective of this case study was to implement these three deprescribing search filters in systematic review (SR) search strategies and to assess their effect on performances. SR that independently developed original search strategies (OSS) were selected. The deprescribing filters were implemented in each OSS, generating two implemented search strategies (ISS1 and ISS2) in MEDLINE and one ISS (ISS3) in Embase. OSS were re-run on the same date as ISS. The performances of ISS and OSS were calculated and compared. Two SR were included (SR1 and SR2). For MEDLINE, SR1 included 12 articles. The sensitivity was 50% for OSS, 58% for ISS1 and 42% for ISS2. SR2 included four articles. The sensitivity of OSS, ISS 1 and 2 was 25%. For Embase, SR1 included 12 articles. The sensitivity was 33% for OSS and 58% for ISS3. SR2 included four articles. None of the four included articles were retrieved with OSS or ISS3. While sensitivity of OSS was moderate, the objectively developed deprescribing filters maintained or slightly improved this sensitivity when implementing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Morel
- Département de Médecine Générale, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
- SPHERE, UMR INSERM 1246, Nantes Université, Université de Tours, Nantes, France
| | - Clara H Heinrich
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Lorène Zerah
- Département de Gériatrie, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
- INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
| | - Eoin Hurley
- Pharmaceutical Care Research Group, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Antoine Christiaens
- INSERM, Institut Pierre Louis d'Épidémiologie et de Santé Publique, Sorbonne Université, Paris, France
- Fund for Scientific Research - FNRS, Brussels, Belgium
- Clinical pharmacy research group (CLIP), Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Jean-Pascal Fournier
- Département de Médecine Générale, Nantes Université, Nantes, France
- SPHERE, UMR INSERM 1246, Nantes Université, Université de Tours, Nantes, France
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Bardoczi JB, Brunner L, Spinewine A, Rodondi N, Aubert CE. Older Adult Attitudes toward Deprescribing Statins in Primary Cardiovascular Prevention Versus General Medications. Gerontol Geriatr Med 2024; 10:23337214241245918. [PMID: 38628165 PMCID: PMC11020750 DOI: 10.1177/23337214241245918] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: There is little evidence for statins for primary cardiovascular prevention in older adults. Consequently, it is important to assess patient attitudes toward the use of statins, which might differ from attitudes toward other medications. We aimed to describe older patient attitudes toward deprescribing statins versus general medications. Methods: We conducted a survey using the revised Patients' Attitudes Toward Deprescribing questionnaire in its original version and adapted to statin use in adults ≥65 years taking a statin for primary prevention. Results: Among the 47 participants (mean age 74.6 years), 42 (89%) were satisfied with their current therapy, but still willing to stop ≥1 of their medications upon their doctor's advice. About 68% (N = 32) were satisfied with their statin therapy, while 83% (N = 39) would accept to consider deprescribing. Twenty-six (55%) participants were concerned about missing future benefits when stopping their general medications and 17 (36%) when stopping their statin. Eight (17%) participants believed they were experiencing side effects of statins and twice as many for general medication (38%, N = 18). Conclusion: Our study provides insight about differences and similarities in patient attitudes toward deprescribing general medications and statins in primary prevention. This information could support patient-centered conversations and shared-decision making about deprescribing.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anne Spinewine
- Louvain Drug Research Institute, Université catholique de Louvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) UCL Namur, Yvoir, Belgium
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Baas G, Crutzen S, Smits S, Denig P, Taxis K, Heringa M. Process evaluation of a pharmacist-led intervention aimed at deprescribing and appropriate use of cardiometabolic medication among adult people with type 2 diabetes. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2024; 134:83-96. [PMID: 37563775 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A quasi-experimental study investigated a pharmacist-led intervention aimed at deprescribing and medication management among adult patients with type 2 diabetes at risk of hypoglycaemia. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to evaluate the process of implementing the intervention consisting of a tailored clinical medication review (CMR) supported by a training and a toolbox. METHODS Mixed-methods study based on the Grant framework, including the domains "recruitment," "delivery of intervention" and "response" of pharmacists and patients. Data collected were administrative logs, semi-structured observations of patient consultations (n = 8), interviews with pharmacists (n = 16) and patient-reported experience measure (PREM) questionnaires (n = 66). RESULTS Tailored CMRs were conducted largely as intended for 90 patients from 14 pharmacies. Although patient selection based on a medication-derived hypoglycaemia risk score was considered useful, pharmacists experienced barriers to proposing deprescribing in patients with recent medication changes, without current hypoglycaemic events, or treated by medical specialists. The training and toolbox were evaluated positively by the pharmacists. Overall, patients were satisfied with the CMR. CONCLUSION Pharmacists and patients valued the CMR focusing on deprescribing and medication management. To optimize implementation and effectiveness of the intervention, improvements can be made to the patient selection, pharmacist training and the collaboration between healthcare professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gert Baas
- SIR Institute for Pharmacy Practice and Policy, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Stijn Crutzen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Sanne Smits
- Unit of PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology, and -Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Petra Denig
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Katja Taxis
- Unit of PharmacoTherapy, -Epidemiology, and -Economics, Groningen Research Institute of Pharmacy, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Mette Heringa
- SIR Institute for Pharmacy Practice and Policy, Leiden, The Netherlands
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Wang J, Shen JY, Yu F, Nathan K, Caprio TV, Conwell Y, Moskow MS, Brasch JD, Simmons SF, Mixon AS, Norton SA. Challenges in Deprescribing among Older Adults in Post-Acute Care Transitions to Home. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2024; 25:138-145.e6. [PMID: 37913819 PMCID: PMC10843747 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.09.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Medications with a higher risk of harm or that are unlikely to be beneficial are used by nearly all older patients in home health care (HHC). The objective of this study was to understand stakeholders' perspectives on challenges in deprescribing these medications for post-acute HHC patients. DESIGN Qualitative individual interviews were conducted with stakeholders involved with post-acute deprescribing. SETTING AND PARTICIPANT Older HHC patients, HHC nurses, pharmacists, and primary/acute care/post-acute prescribers from 9 US states participated in individual qualitative interviews. MEASURES Interview questions were focused on the experience, processes, roles, training, workflow, and challenges of deprescribing in hospital-to-home transitions. We used the constant comparison approach to identify and compare findings among patient, prescriber, and pharmacist and HHC nurse stakeholders. RESULTS We interviewed 9 older patients, 11 HHC nurses, 5 primary care physicians (PCP), 3 pharmacists, 1 hospitalist, and 1 post-acute nurse practitioner. Four challenges were described in post-acute deprescribing for HHC patients. First, PCPs' time constraints, the timing of patient encounters after hospital discharge, and the lack of prioritization of deprescribing make it difficult for PCPs to initiate post-acute deprescribing. Second, patients are often confused about their medications, despite the care team's efforts in educating the patients. Third, communication is challenging between HHC nurses, PCPs, specialists, and hospitalists. Fourth, the roles of HHC nurses and pharmacists are limited in care team collaboration and discussion about post-acute deprescribing. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Post-acute deprescribing relies on multiple parties in the care team yet it has challenges. Interventions to align the timing of deprescribing and that of post-acute care visits, prioritize deprescribing and allow clinicians more time to complete related tasks, improve medication education for patients, and ensure effective communication in the care team with synchronized electronic health record systems are needed to advance deprescribing during the transition from hospital to home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinjiao Wang
- Elaine Hubbard Center for Nursing Research on Aging, University of Rochester, School of Nursing, Rochester, NY, USA.
| | - Jenny Y Shen
- Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Fang Yu
- Edson College of Nursing and Health Innovation, Arizona State University, Phoenix, AZ, USA
| | - Kobi Nathan
- Division of Geriatrics & Aging, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Wegmans School of Pharmacy, St. John Fisher College, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Thomas V Caprio
- Division of Geriatrics & Aging, Department of Medicine, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; University of Rochester-Home Care, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA; Finger Lakes Geriatric Education Center, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Yeates Conwell
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Marian S Moskow
- Harriet Kitzman Center for Research Support, University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Judith D Brasch
- Harriet Kitzman Center for Research Support, University of Rochester School of Nursing, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Sandra F Simmons
- Department of Medicine, Center for Quality Aging, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA; Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Amanda S Mixon
- Department of Medicine, Center for Quality Aging, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA; Geriatric Research, Education and Clinical Center (GRECC), VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, Nashville, TN, USA; Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Sally A Norton
- School of Nursing, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA
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Jordan M, Mullan J, Stewart A, Chen TF. A pharmacist integrated into a general practice in Australia: an evolving model of care in medicines optimization. Int J Pharm Pract 2023; 31:608-616. [PMID: 37823732 DOI: 10.1093/ijpp/riad061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
The general practice pharmacist (GPP) role in Australia is evolving. A pilot GPP model of care developed to optimize medicines for patients at risk of medicine-related harm was evaluated. The aims of this study were 2-fold: to evaluate the GPP model of care on medicines optimization, with a focus on deprescribing, in a population at risk of harm due to their medicines, or clinical condition, and to explore the perspectives of study participants. This single practice study involved two phases. Phase 1 (September 2019-May 2020): at risk patients were referred to the GPP for medication reconciliation, recommendations for optimization, and when appropriate, deprescribing support, especially for opioids. Medication plans were developed with patients, GPs, and the GPP. Quantitative data collected from patient records included demographics, discrepancies, medicines reviewed, GPP recommendations and uptake, and medicines deprescribed. Opioid-related data included dose changes from baseline, at 6 and 9 months, standardized to oral morphine equivalents. Descriptive statistics were used for analysis. Phase 2 (7-21 September 2020): qualitative evaluation using semi-structured interviews was undertaken, to explore the perspectives of GP and patient participants of the GPP model of care. Interview data were thematically analysed. The study had ethical approval. Phase 1: 198 multimorbid patients with multiple medications [median = 13 (9-16)] had at least one GPP consultation (n = 243). Discrepancies were resolved through 88% of GPP consultations; deprescribing commenced or occurred in 54%. Acceptance of GPP recommendations was 86%. Opioids were the most common medicines deprescribed (42% ceased). The baseline median opioid dose [44.4 (30-90) mg] was significantly reduced at 6 months [13.5 (0-40) mg] and 9 months [7 (0-30) mg], P < .0001. Phase 2: Thematic analysis of 28 interviews (10 GPs, 3 practice personnel, 10 patients, 5 carers) identified four key themes: safer foundation for deprescribing, deprescribing opportunities recognition, benefits of embedded GPP, and a supported approach to shared decision-making. General practice provides opportunities for medicine optimization and deprescribing. This study has demonstrated a GPP model of care that achieved functional deprescribing to reduce potential harm in a population at risk and addressed recognized barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Jordan
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Judy Mullan
- School of Medicine, Science, Medicine and Health Faculty, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Timothy F Chen
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Pharmacy, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Lagreula J, Dagenais-Beaulé V, de Timary P, Elens L, Dalleur O. Prescribing and deprescribing trends in schizophrenia: An overview of inpatients in Belgium and in the Canadian province of Québec. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 133:691-702. [PMID: 36988426 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13867] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Revised: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023]
Abstract
Although switching to antipsychotic monotherapy improves patient outcomes in schizophrenia, antipsychotic deprescribing is rarely performed, and its use varies between countries, as do psychotropic prescribing patterns. This study aimed to determine factors associated with antipsychotic deprescribing at discharge after a psychiatric hospitalization and to compare psychotropic prescribing patterns between Belgium and Québec, Canada. Data on adult inpatients with schizophrenia were collected retrospectively in seven hospitals. At discharge, the number of antipsychotics had decreased in 22.2% of the 63 Canadian patients and 9.9% of the 516 Belgian patients. A number of factors increased the likelihood of antipsychotic deprescribing: a hospitalization in the Canadian hospital (aOR = 4.13, 95% CI 1.48-11.5), living in a residential facility (aOR = 2.51, 95% CI 1.05-4.39), ≥2 previous antipsychotic trials (aOR = 15.38, 95% CI 3.62-65.36), having an antipsychotic side effect (aOR = 1.86, 95% CI 1.01-3.44) and being in a general hospital (aOR = 2.28, 95% CI 1.09-4.75). Patients on a long-acting injectable antipsychotic (aOR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.26-0.98), with prior clozapine use (aOR = 0.36, 95% CI 0.13-0.95), greater antipsychotic exposure (aOR = 0.35, 95% CI 0.2-0.61) and more hypno-sedatives (aOR = 0.65, 95% CI 0.43-0.98), were less likely to be deprescribed. Specific deprescribing interventions could target patients who are less likely to be deprescribed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliette Lagreula
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Group (CLIP)-Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Fonds de la Recherche Scientifique - FNRS, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Vincent Dagenais-Beaulé
- Pharmacy Department & Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Québec, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Philippe de Timary
- Institute of Neuroscience (IoNS), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Adult Psychiatry Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laure Elens
- Integrated PharmacoMetrics, PharmacoGenomics and PharmacoKinetics (PMGK)-Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Louvain Center for Toxicology and Applied Pharmacology (LTAP)-Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Olivia Dalleur
- Clinical Pharmacy Research Group (CLIP)-Louvain Drug Research Institute (LDRI), UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
- Pharmacy Department, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, Brussels, Belgium
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Thompson W, Reeve E, McDonald EG, Farrell B, Scott S, Steinman MA, Morin L, Lundby C. Ten deprescribing articles you should know about: A guide for newcomers to the field. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 133:661-664. [PMID: 37142559 PMCID: PMC10831497 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Wade Thompson
- Department of Anesthesiology, Pharmacology, and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Emily Reeve
- Centre for Medicine Use and Safety, Faculty of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, VIC, Australia
- Quality Use of Medicines and Pharmacy Research Centre, UniSA: Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, SA, Australia
| | - Emily G. McDonald
- Division of General Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Division of Experimental Medicine, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
- Clinical Practice Assessment Unit, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Barbara Farrell
- Bruyere Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada
- Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada
- University of Waterloo School of Pharmacy, Waterloo, Canada
| | - Sion Scott
- School of Healthcare, University of Leicester, United Kingdom
| | - Michael A. Steinman
- Division of Geriatrics, Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, USA
- Geriatrics, Palliative, and Extended Care Service Line, San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, California, USA
| | - Lucas Morin
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Inserm CIC 1431, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France
- Inserm U1018, High-Dimensional Biostatistics for Drug Safety and Genomics, CESP, Villejuif, France
| | - Carina Lundby
- Research Unit of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Pharmacology, Pharmacy and Environmental Medicine, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Hospital Pharmacy Funen, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
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Langford AV, Schneider CR, Lin CC, Bero L, Collins JC, Suckling B, Gnjidic D. Patient-targeted interventions for opioid deprescribing: An overview of systematic reviews. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 133:623-639. [PMID: 36808693 PMCID: PMC10953356 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deprescribing (reduction or cessation) of prescribed opioids can be challenging for both patients and healthcare professionals. OBJECTIVE To synthesize and evaluate evidence from systematic reviews examining the effectiveness and outcomes of patient-targeted opioid deprescribing interventions for all types of pain. METHODS Systematic searches were conducted in five databases with results screened against predetermined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Primary outcomes were (i) reduction in opioid dose, reported as change in oral Morphine Equivalent Daily Dose (oMEDD) and (ii) success of opioid deprescribing, reported as the proportion of the sample for which opioid use declined. Secondary outcomes included pain severity, physical function, quality of life and adverse events. The certainty of evidence was assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) methodology. FINDINGS Twelve reviews were eligible for inclusion. Interventions were heterogeneous in nature and included pharmacological (n = 4), physical (n = 3), procedural (n = 3), psychological or behavioural (n = 3) and mixed (n = 5) interventions. Multidisciplinary care programmes appeared to be the most effective intervention for opioid deprescribing; however, the certainty of evidence was low, with significant variability in opioid reduction across interventions. CONCLUSIONS Evidence is too uncertain to draw firm conclusions about specific populations who may derive the greatest benefit from opioid deprescribing, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aili V. Langford
- Centre for Medicine Use and SafetyMonash UniversityParkvilleVictoriaAustralia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of PharmacyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Carl R. Schneider
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of PharmacyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Chung‐Wei Christine Lin
- Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of Public HealthUniversity of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Sydney Musculoskeletal HealthThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Lisa Bero
- School of Medicine, Colorado School of Public Health and Center for Bioethics and HumanitiesUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical CenterDenverColoradoUSA
| | - Jack C. Collins
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of PharmacyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Benita Suckling
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of PharmacyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
- Pharmacy DepartmentCaboolture Hospital, Queensland HealthBrisbaneAustralia
| | - Danijela Gnjidic
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, School of PharmacyThe University of SydneySydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Bužančić I, Ortner Hadžiabdić M. Deprescribing in a multimorbid older adult: A case vignette study among community pharmacists and primary care physicians. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 133:729-740. [PMID: 37177977 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Collaborative deprescribing can include pharmacists' medication review with identification and suggestion of potential deprescribing targets to physicians. Case vignettes can be a valuable method for researching variations in clinical decision making, especially in settings unaccustomed to newer clinical approaches such as deprescribing. This study aimed to explore if pharmacists can identify deprescribing targets and if physicians would accept pharmacist's deprescribing rationales. A cross-sectional study was performed using an online case vignette based on a real-life elderly patient. Pharmacists were asked to indicate which medicines they would recommend deprescribing, alongside a rationale. Physicians were asked to state their acceptance of the proposed pharmacist's deprescribing suggestion. Pharmacists gave 1275 deprescribing rationales, and most were given for deprescribing opioids, NSAID and diuretics. Physicians would accept rationales to deprescribe a median of 10 medicines, while pharmacist would recommend deprescribing a median of six medicines. Most difference lays in deprescribing of preventative medicines. Healthcare providers share agreement on deprescribing targets, but pharmacists show hesitancies in making recommendations that could hamper potential collaboration. Action is needed to improve pharmacists' skills in recognizing deprescribing targets and confidence in making suggestions, which could lead to opening of possibilities for joint patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iva Bužančić
- City Pharmacies Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Moriarty F, Hughes CM. Deprescribing and medicines optimisation, two sides of the same coin? Considerations for design of interventional studies. Basic Clin Pharmacol Toxicol 2023; 133:665-668. [PMID: 37183267 DOI: 10.1111/bcpt.13900] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Moriarty
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, RCSI University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dublin, Ireland
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