J Gen Intern Med
Engaging patients improves medication deprescribing outcomes
Patient-directed educational materials can effectively engage patients in deprescribing discussions, potentially leading to better medication management and reduced use of potentially inappropriate medications. This approach could be integrated into routine clinical practice to enhance shared decision-making and promote safer medication use among patients.
Study design: This trial was conducted at 3 Veterans Affairs facilities from April 2021 to October 2022. The intervention involved mailing medication-specific brochures to patients 2 weeks before their primary care appointments. The primary outcome was patient-reported discussions about deprescribing with their primary care providers (PCPs).
Results: Patient engagement with the brochures significantly increased the likelihood of deprescribing discussions. Specifically, patients who completed brochure activities, contacted their PCPs before visits, or discussed the brochure with family, friends, or healthcare providers were more likely to report having deprescribing discussions. Adjusted odds ratios for these activities ranged from 1.72 to 3.18. After adjusting for patient characteristics, discussions were less likely among Black respondents and more likely among those with higher education levels and adequate health literacy.
Source:
Pendergast J, et al. (2025, January 29). J Gen Intern Med. Engaging Patients in Discussions About Medication Deprescribing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39881120/