Reducing medication use in elderly patients with multiple health issues
Reduction of Polypharmacy in Elderly People With Multiple Diseases - a Stepped Wedge Cluster-randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing a new way to help older adults, aged 70 and up, reduce the number of medications they take to see if it lowers their risk of bad reactions to those drugs.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 1146 (estimated) |
| Ages | 70 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Martin-Luther-Universität Halle-Wittenberg Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Halle, Saxony-Anhalt) |
| Trial ID | NCT05526963 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to address the issue of polypharmacy in elderly patients aged 70 and older who are often prescribed five or more medications, increasing their risk of adverse drug reactions (ADRs). It will implement a multi-component intervention that includes a thorough review of medication plans based on established criteria and provide adherence support through motivational interviewing. Conducted across 40 primary care practices in Germany, the study will compare the intervention group to a control group receiving usual care, measuring the rate of ADRs six months post-intervention.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are elderly individuals aged 70 years and older, diagnosed with three or more chronic conditions, and currently taking five or more long-term medications.
Not a fit: Patients with critically reduced life expectancy, those unable to visit their family practice autonomously, or those residing in nursing homes may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could significantly reduce the incidence of adverse drug reactions in elderly patients, leading to improved health outcomes and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that interventions aimed at reducing polypharmacy in elderly populations can lead to meaningful improvements in health outcomes, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * ≥ 5 longterm medications (\> 6 months) (polypharmacy) * ≥ 3 chronic diseases (multimorbidity) * ≥ 1 family doctor consultation within the last 6 months Exclusion Criteria: * Patients with a critically reduced life expectancy * Patients who cannot autonomously visit the family practice * Patients who cannot participate in the informed consent process * Patients who are residing in a nursing home * Patients with dementia or a mental of behavioral disorder ICD-10 F00-F99 * Patients who are participating in another medical study with a focus on polypharmacy or multimorbidity
Where this trial is running
Halle, Saxony-Anhalt
- Hap Anz — Halle, Saxony-Anhalt, Germany (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Alexander Bauer, Dr.
- Email: raphael@uk-halle.de
- Phone: +493455575338
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.