Patient Perceptions of Opioids and Benzodiazepines and Attitudes Toward Deprescribing.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Opioids and benzodiazepines (BZDs) pose a public health problem. Older adults are especially susceptible to adverse events from opioids and BZDs owing to an increased usage of opioids and BZDs, multiple comorbidities, and polypharmacy. Deprescribing is a possible, yet challenging, solution to reducing opioid and BZD use.

Objective

We aimed to explore older adult patients' knowledge of opioids and BZDs, perceived facilitators and barriers to deprescribing opioids and BZDs, and attitudes toward alternative treatments for opioids and BZDs.

Methods

We conducted 11 semi-structured interviews with patients aged 65+ years with long-term opioid and/or BZD prescriptions. The interview guide was developed by an interprofessional team and focused on patients' knowledg

SUBMITTER: Kelley CJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10768261 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature