Pre-visit Prompts for Deprescribing

This trial explores how pre-visit prompts can assist patients in discussing the possibility of stopping or reducing certain medications with their doctors. It focuses on individuals aged 65 and older who have upcoming appointments at specific clinics and are using medications that may no longer be necessary. Patients may qualify if they have diabetes, high blood pressure, smoke, or have high cholesterol, and are currently using medications identified as high-risk for older adults. The trial will compare patients who receive these prompts with those who follow their usual care routine. As an unphased trial, this study provides a unique opportunity for patients to actively engage in improving healthcare conversations and potentially reduce unnecessary medication use.

Research shows that reducing unnecessary medications, known as deprescribing, can enhance safety for older adults. Studies indicate it lowers the number of medications taken and reduces harmful reactions to drugs, known as adverse drug events (ADEs). This is crucial for people over 65, who often take many medications.

In this trial, researchers use pre-visit prompts to encourage patients to discuss their medications with their doctors. These prompts are not medications and therefore do not have side effects like drugs. Instead, they assist patients and doctors in deciding if some medications can be stopped or reduced due to potential harm or lack of necessity.

Researchers are excited about the pre-visit prompts because they offer a proactive approach to deprescribing. Unlike standard care, which relies on routine visits and discussions initiated by healthcare providers, this method empowers patients to engage directly in conversations about their medications. By providing a prompt and a handout before visits, patients are encouraged to discuss their medication use with primary care providers. This approach could lead to more personalized and safer medication plans, potentially reducing unnecessary drug use and associated side effects.

Studies have shown that reducing unnecessary medications for older adults can improve their health and safety. By cutting down on potentially harmful drugs, these interventions lead to better health outcomes. Research indicates that when patients discuss their medications with doctors, they are more likely to stop or reduce those they don't need. This process, called deprescribing, aims to use medications wisely and improve health without causing harm. In this trial, some participants will receive pre-visit prompts, which have increased the chances of discussing and successfully reducing unnecessary medications.⁶⁷⁸⁹¹⁰