Team-Based Deprescribing Program to Improve Health and Costs for Adults With Chronic Kidney Disease in Qatar A Randomized Trial

What this Trial Is About

Chronic Kidney Disease CKD is a major global health problem linked to cardiovascular issues, infections, cognitive decline, and increased death rates. In Qatar, about 13% of people have CKD, often facing challenges from taking many medications, which can reduce quality of life and cause negative health and financial effects. This research aims to create and test a multidisciplinary deprescribing program to manage medication use in CKD patients and improve their clinical and economic outcomes through a randomized controlled trial in Qatar. The study involves developing a deprescribing team and program to carefully review and adjust medications for patients with advanced CKD experiencing inappropriate polypharmacy. Patients will be randomized to either receive usual care or a structured deprescribing intervention provided by a multidisciplinary team. The intervention includes medication review by pharmacists and nephrologists, medication plan adjustments, follow-up calls by specialist nurses, and coordination with primary care providers. The study is conducted in three phases preparation, intervention, and post-intervention economic assessment. Participants will be monitored at baseline, 3 months, and 6 months for medication appropriateness, pill burden, quality of life, treatment burden, adherence, emergency visits, hospitalizations, adverse effects, and cost savings. Follow-up calls help identify withdrawal symptoms or concerns. The study evaluates the impact of deprescribing on health outcomes and healthcare costs over six months, aiming to support wider adoption of deprescribing programs in Qatars healthcare system.

Deprescribing Intervention for Patients With Chronic Kidney Disease