Multidisciplinary Approach to Deprescribing Sedative-Hypnotic Medications in Geriatric Primary Care

Abstract

Introduction/Objectives: Due to the risks associated with sedative hypnotic medications in older adults, our study evaluated the impact of a multidisciplinary approach to deprescribing in geriatric primary care clinics. Methods: The study was a retrospective review of older adults at 2 academic, geriatric primary care clinics who were prescribed sedative-hypnotic medications. Patients were mailed an education packet of information that included working with the clinical pharmacy team, behavioral health team, or both in order to deprescribe their sedative-hypnotic medication. The study assessed the rate of discontinuation of sedative-hypnotic medications between the different intervention groups. Results: The study included 93 older adults with a mean age of 81.3 years and 39.8% discontinuation rate of their medication. The number of falls decreased in patients who discontinued use compared to when previously using a sedative hypnotic medication. Conclusion: Patients are more likely to discontinue their sedative hypnotic medication with a multidisciplinary approach, specifically with primary care provider support.