Reduction of Polypharmacy in Elderly People With Multiple Diseases

Launched by MARTIN-LUTHER-UNIVERSITÄT HALLE-WITTENBERG · Aug 31, 2022

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying how to reduce the number of medications elderly patients take, especially those who have multiple health conditions. Many older adults are prescribed five or more medications, which can lead to problems like side effects, falls, and even hospital visits. The goal of the study is to lower the chances of these issues by carefully managing their medications for patients aged 70 and older who have at least three chronic diseases.

To participate in this trial, individuals need to be taking five or more long-term medications and have had a visit with their family doctor within the last six months. However, those with severe health issues, cognitive impairments, or who live in nursing homes cannot join. Participants can expect to work closely with healthcare professionals who will help review and adjust their medications to ensure they are taking only what is necessary for their health. This study aims to make medication management safer and more effective for older adults.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • ≥ 5 longterm medications (\> 6 months) (polypharmacy)
• • ≥ 3 chronic diseases (multimorbidity)
• • ≥ 1 family doctor consultation within the last 6 months
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with a critically reduced life expectancy
• • Patients who cannot autonomously visit the family practice
• • Patients who cannot participate in the informed consent process
• • Patients who are residing in a nursing home
• • Patients with dementia or a mental of behavioral disorder ICD-10 F00-F99
• • Patients who are participating in another medical study with a focus on polypharmacy or multimorbidity