Study on Reducing Use of Psychotropic, Sedative, and Anticholinergic Medicines in Older Adults Through Teamwork Between Doctors and Pharmacists

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the effect of a patient-centered cooperation between general practitioners GPs and community pharmacists on reducing the use of psychotropic, sedative, and anticholinergic potentially inappropriate medications PSA-PIM in elderly patients who take multiple medications. This is a multicenter, cluster-randomized trial called the PARTNER study, which compares this intervention to a control group receiving usual care. The study aims to improve medication safety and reduce drug-related risks in older adults with polypharmacy. The intervention group receives an education program for healthcare professionals, including manuals, videos, checklists, and support tools for deprescribing PSA-PIM. It also includes an interprofessional workshop and case conference, a pharmacy visit with medication review and patient empowerment, and a GP practice visit promoting shared decision making. The control group receives only a pharmacy visit with medication review. Both interventions involve collaboration between GPs, pharmacists, and patients to address medication use. Participants are adults aged 65 or older who use at least five medications including one or more PSA-PIM for six months or more. They must be willing to select a regular pharmacy and consent to data sharing between their GP and pharmacy. The study measures reduction in PSA-PIM Drug Burden Index over 6 and 12 months, along with medication exposure, new prescriptions, falls, hospitalizations, cognition, quality of life, insomnia, and adverse drug reactions. Participants will be monitored through medication reviews, questionnaires, and diaries during the study period.

Patient-centred Deprescribing of Psychotropic, Sedative and Anticholinergic Medication in Elderly Patients With Polypharmacy