Reducing unnecessary medications in older adults
Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing a program to help seniors aged 70 and older who take many medications to safely reduce their pills and see if it improves their health.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Ages | 70 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | McMaster University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Hamilton, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT02942927 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial focuses on evaluating and reducing polypharmacy among seniors aged 70 and older who are taking five or more medications. Participants will be randomly assigned to receive an intervention aimed at medication reduction either immediately or after a six-month delay. The intervention includes a comprehensive review of medications by a pharmacist and discussions with their family physician, prioritizing patient preferences for discontinuation or dose reduction. Follow-up assessments will track health outcomes and medication changes over six months.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are seniors aged 70 and older who are currently taking five or more long-term medications.
Not a fit: Patients with inadequate English language skills or cognitive impairments that prevent understanding the study may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly improve the health and quality of life for older adults by reducing the risks associated with polypharmacy.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that interventions aimed at reducing polypharmacy can lead to improved health outcomes, suggesting this approach may be effective.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 70 years of age or older * Patient must have a family doctor * Participating family doctor as most responsible provider * Currently taking more 5 or more long-term medications * Have not had a recent (past 12 months) comprehensive medication review * Patient willing to try discontinuation Exclusion Criteria: * English language or cognitive skills inadequate to understand and respond to rating scales * Terminal illness or other circumstance precluding 6 month study period
Where this trial is running
Hamilton, Ontario
- Dr. Dee Mangin — Hamilton, Ontario, Canada (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Dee Mangin, MBChB, DPH, FRNZC, MD
- Email: mangind@mcmaster.ca
- Phone: 905-525-9140
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.