Reducing benzodiazepine use in nursing homes for older adults
Feasibility of a Theory-based Benzodiazepines Deprescribing Intervention in Belgian Nursing Homes: the END-IT Study
This study is testing a new approach to help reduce the use of sleep and anxiety medications in older adults living in nursing homes to see if it works better than the usual care they receive.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 80 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Université Catholique de Louvain Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Woluwe-Saint-Lambert) |
| Trial ID | NCT05929443 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This feasibility study evaluates an intervention aimed at reducing the use of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs among older adults in Belgian nursing homes. The intervention includes setting goals, educating healthcare providers, making environmental adaptations, and providing feedback on benzodiazepine use. Researchers will compare the effectiveness of this intervention against usual care to assess its feasibility and gather preliminary data on its impact. The study focuses on understanding how well the intervention can be implemented and accepted within the nursing home setting.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are older adults aged 65 and above who have been taking benzodiazepines or Z-drugs for at least four weeks.
Not a fit: Patients who are in palliative care, undergoing benzodiazepine or alcohol withdrawal, or have severe anxiety or depression may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could lead to safer medication practices and improved health outcomes for older adults in nursing homes.
How similar studies have performed: While this approach is novel in the context of Belgian nursing homes, similar interventions in other settings have shown promise in reducing benzodiazepine use among older adults.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 65 years old and older * Taking at least one benzodiazepine or Z-drug for 4 weeks or more Exclusion Criteria: * Unability to communicate in French * Palliative care * Ongoing benzodiazepine withdrawal * Ongoing alcohol withdrawal * Severe anxiety * Severe depression
Where this trial is running
Woluwe-Saint-Lambert
- UCLouvain — Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Belgium (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Anne Spinewine, PhD — UCLouvain / Louvain Drug Research Institute / Clinical pharmacy research group
- Study coordinator: Perrine Evrard, MPharm
- Email: perrine.evrard@uclouvain.be
- Phone: +3227647236
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.