Reducing Medication Risks in Elderly People With Multiple Diseases A Stepped Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial Evaluating Medication Review and Adherence Support

What this Trial Is About

Many elderly patients with multiple chronic diseases are treated with five or more medications at the same time, which increases their risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). These inappropriate prescriptions can lead to serious problems like falls, hospitalizations, and even death. This study aims to test a new approach to reduce the frequency of ADRs in patients aged 70 years and older who have multiple health conditions and are taking many medications. The study involves a special intervention where patients receive a detailed review of their medications by an external pharmacologist using established criteria to identify potentially inappropriate drugs. This updated medication plan is then given to the patient's family doctor to discuss and implement. In addition, patients receive support from a study nurse through phone calls using motivational interviewing to help improve medication adherence and inform them about the risks of not taking medications properly or signs of side effects. The control group continues with their usual care without these added supports. Participants will be monitored for six months after the intervention to track the rate of adverse drug reactions. Researchers will also assess other factors such as hospitalizations related to medication issues, how well patients stick to their medication plans, quality of life, and the number of inappropriate prescriptions. The study is being conducted across 40 primary care practices in Germany and plans to include 1,146 patients. The goal is to find effective ways to reduce medication-related problems in older adults with multiple health conditions.

Reduction of Polypharmacy in Elderly People With Multiple Diseases