Reducing unnecessary medications in hemodialysis patients
Implementation of Deprescribing and Patient Education Tools in Hemodialysis Units to Decrease Polypharmacy
This study is testing whether using special tools to reduce unnecessary medications can help make hemodialysis patients safer and more satisfied with their treatment.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 480 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University Health Network, Toronto Academic / other |
| Locations | 4 sites (Vancouver, British Colombia and 3 other locations) |
| Trial ID | NCT03733262 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This observational study focuses on patients undergoing hemodialysis, who often take an excessive number of medications, many of which may not be appropriate for their condition. The study aims to implement and evaluate deprescribing tools designed to reassess and potentially discontinue medications that lack evidence for efficacy and safety in this population. By utilizing provincial databases, the researchers have identified nine medication classes that are commonly prescribed but may pose risks to hemodialysis patients. The effectiveness of these deprescribing algorithms will be measured by the reduction in polypharmacy and improvements in patient safety and satisfaction over a six-month period.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults aged 18 and older who have been receiving outpatient hemodialysis treatment for at least three months.
Not a fit: Patients who have recently started hemodialysis or those unable to read and understand English may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance patient safety and quality of life for individuals on hemodialysis by reducing the risks associated with polypharmacy.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of deprescribing in hemodialysis patients is relatively novel, similar studies in other populations have shown promising results in reducing medication burden and improving patient outcomes.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * 18+ years * Have been receiving outpatient HD treatment at one of the four study sites for at least the past three months * Able to read and understand English and provide consent Exclusion Criteria: \- Acute starts to HD
Where this trial is running
Vancouver, British Colombia and 3 other locations
- Providence Health Care — Vancouver, British Colombia, Canada (Active_not_recruiting)
- Manitoba Renal Program — Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada (Active_not_recruiting)
- Nova Scotia Health Authority — Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada (Active_not_recruiting)
- University Health Network — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Marisa Battistella, PharmD — University Health Network, Toronto
- Study coordinator: Marisa Battistella, PharmD
- Email: marisa.battistella@uhn.ca
- Phone: 416-340-4800
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.