Evaluation of a benzodiazepine deprescribing quality improvement initiative for older adults in primary care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Older adults are commonly prescribed long-term benzodiazepines for anxiety and insomnia despite evidence of risks and limited evidence of long-term benefits. Recent quality measures and guidelines have recommended benzodiazepine deprescribing, yet there is little real-world data on clinic-based deprescribing programs.

Methods

We developed a benzodiazepine deprescribing quality improvement program for older adults at a large US academic medical center. The program targeted adults aged 65 years and older who were prescribed chronic benzodiazepines by their primary care physician (PCP). PCPs were contacted to opt-out patients not suitable for deprescribing; then eligible patients were mailed a letter discussing patient-specific risks and advising them to discuss depr

SUBMITTER: Chae S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11018491 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature