Deprescribing in the context of limited life expectancy
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Clinicians’, patients’ and carers’ perspectives on an individualised approach to deprescribing of long-term preventative medicines in people with limited life expectancy
IRAS ID
328120
Contact name
Deborah McCahon
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Bristol
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 5 months, 31 days
Research summary
Many medicines have long-term benefits and prevent illness. However, in the last few weeks of a person’s life, when it is clear they will die soon, medicines are often stopped. Over the last year or two of life, the benefit of continuing to take long-term medicines maybe small and no longer helpful. Stopping medicines at this stage might improve quality of life, reduce side effects and treatment burden. To do this sensitively and effectively, there is a need to find out what information would help doctors and patients to make decisions to stop medicines. Also, it would be helpful to know more about how and when doctors and patients would prefer to have conversations about stopping long-term medicines in the context of limited life expectancy (the last 1-2 years of life).
The overall aim of this study is to provide evidence and resources for use in primary care to support the acceptable reduction of long-term medicines in patients with limited life expectancy for whom the benefits may not be fully realised.
Firstly, we will interview 20 patients aged ≥65 years, taking ≥2 long-term medicines, 10-15 carers, and up to 15 GPs and pharmacists. We will ask them if they think it is acceptable to talk about life expectancy and the risks/benefits of long-term medicines when talking about stopping these medicines. We will seek their views on what information would be most helpful to support shared decision making for stopping medicines and when and how such conversations should happen.
Secondly, we will hold meetings with an expert working group (including patients, carers, professionals) to review findings from the interviews. The group will develop resources for use in clinical practice to help doctors and patients make decisions about stopping long-term medicines that may no longer be of benefit to the patient.
REC name
South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
23/SW/0110
Date of REC Opinion
26 Oct 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion