Reducing unnecessary medications in elderly patients with multiple prescriptions
Patient-centred Deprescribing of Psychotropic, Sedative and Anticholinergic Medication in Elderly Patients With Polypharmacy: a Cluster-randomised Trial
NA · Ludwig-Maximilians - University of Munich · NCT05842928
This study tests a new way to help older adults with multiple prescriptions cut down on unnecessary medications by working closely with their doctors and pharmacists.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 352 (estimated) |
| Ages | 65 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Ludwig-Maximilians - University of Munich (other) |
| Locations | 3 sites (Bielefeld and 2 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT05842928 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
The PARTNER study evaluates a patient-centered approach to reduce the use of potentially inappropriate medications among elderly patients who are taking multiple drugs. It involves collaboration between general practitioners and community pharmacists to provide education, workshops, and shared decision-making processes. Participants will receive a comprehensive medication review and empowerment strategies to manage their prescriptions effectively. The study compares this intervention to a control group that only receives a basic medication review.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are elderly patients aged 65 and older who are currently taking five or more medications, including at least one potentially inappropriate medication.
Not a fit: Patients with terminal illnesses, severe physical or mental health conditions, or those unable to participate in the study due to their health status may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve medication safety and quality of life for elderly patients by reducing the risks associated with polypharmacy.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown success in similar approaches to deprescribing and medication management in elderly populations, indicating a promising avenue for improving patient outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 65 years or older * Patient is capable of giving consent * GP contact in the quarter prior to inclusion * Current use of ≥ 5 drugs, including ≥ 1 PSA-PIM (hypnotics, opioids, gabapentinoids, antipsychotics, antidepressants, anticholinergic urospasmolytics) with a treatment duration of ≥ 6 months * Willingness to select a regular pharmacy for the study period * Consent to data exchange between GP and community pharmacy Exclusion Criteria: * Terminal illness (life expectancy \< 6 months) * Current treatment of pain associated with cancer * Other serious physical illness or mental distress (e.g. bereavement) that makes participation in the study impossible (according to the GP's assessment) * Psychiatric illness or addiction that makes participation in the study impossible (according to the GP's assessment) * Unable to meet the requirements of the study (participation in telephone or written questionnaires, visits to the GP practice or community pharmacy, alone or with the help of caregivers for physical infirmity) * Current participation in research projects on medication safety or geriatric medicine
Where this trial is running
Bielefeld and 2 other locations
- University of Bielefeld — Bielefeld, Germany (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
- University Hospital, LMU Munich — Munich, Germany (RECRUITING)
- Witten/Herdecke University — Witten, Germany (NOT_YET_RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Tobias Dreischulte, Prof. Dr. — Institute of General Practice and Family Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Study coordinator: Tobias Dreischulte, Prof. Dr.
- Email: tobias.dreischulte@med.uni-muenchen.de
- Phone: +49 89 4400 55447
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.
Conditions: Deprescriptions, Antidepressive Agents, Antipsychotic Agents, Analgesics, Opioid, Hypnotics and Sedatives, Cholinergic Antagonists, Polypharmacy, General Practice