6ER-034 Medication deprescribing and follow-up: a survey among subacute multimorbid patients in a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic

• Published in: European journal of hospital pharmacy. Science and practice Vol. 28; no. Suppl 1; pp. A171 - A172
• Main Authors: Aharaz, A, Keinicke Fabricius, P, Henning Rasmussen, J, Bach Ølgaard Mcnulty, H, Cyron, A, Pedersen Bengaard, AK, Schiøtz, ML, Løvig Simonsen, RR, Treldal, C, Baltzer Houlind, M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: London BMJ Publishing Group LTD 01.03.2021
• Subjects: Clinics; Comorbidity; Conflicts of interest; Outpatient care facilities
• ISSN: 2047-9956; 2047-9964
• DOI: 10.1136/ejhpharm-2021-eahpconf.358

Background and importanceMedication deprescribing is essential to prevent inappropriate medication in multimorbid patients. However, experiences of patients’ perspectives on deprescribing and follow-up in Danish outpatient clinics are limited.Aim and objectivesThe aim of our study was to investigate polymedicated multimorbid patients’ attitudes to deprescribing in a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic.Material and methodsOur survey was a cohort study of 72 multimorbid patients with a mean age of 73 years. These patients used 10 prescribed medications on average. The survey took place in a subacute setting at a multidisciplinary outpatient clinic, where follow-up was part of the deprescribing process. The validated patients’ attitudes towards deprescribing (PATD) was used.Results50 patients (69%) thought that they took a high number of medications, and 48 patients (67%) expressed a desire for deprescribing parts of their medications. If the deprescribing was proposed from their physician, 69 patients (96%) were willing to stop. 33 patients (46%) believed that one or more of their medications caused side effects. 24 patients (33%) felt they took at least one regular medication that they no longer needed. When presented visually with the different number of tablets and capsules, 36 patients (50%) reported they were comfortable taking less medications than they currently used. Of the surveyed patients, 27 (38%) had experience of stopping medications and 13 patients (18%) were able to proceed without the deprescribed medication. When asked about follow-up on deprescribing, 60 patients (83%) preferred face-to-face consultations.Conclusion and relevanceIn conclusion, our results highlight a great potential of applying a patient centred approach to deprescribing of medication among polymedicated multimorbid patients in multidisciplinary outpatient clinics.References and/or acknowledgementsConflict of interestNo conflict of interest