Pharmacist interventions to deprescribe opioids and benzodiazepines in older adults: A rapid review.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Many older adults are prescribed opioids and benzodiazepines (BZDs), despite increased susceptibility to adverse events. Challenges of deprescribing include fragmented care and lack of knowledge or time. Pharmacists are well-positioned to overcome these challenges and facilitate deprescribing of these medications.

Objectives

We sought to evaluate interventions utilizing pharmacists to deprescribe opioids and BZDs in older adults.

Methods

We conducted a rapid review following a comprehensive literature search to identify interventions with pharmacist involvement for deprescribing opioids and BZDs in older adults. Studies were included based on: (1) inclusion of patients ≥ 65 years old receiving BZDs and/or opioids, (2) evaluation of feasibility or outcomes f

SUBMITTER: Niznik JD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8836277 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature