biostudies-literatureUnknownMak SSU.S. department of veterans affairsNIA NIH HHSNHLBI NIH HHSVeterans Health Affairs Office of Rural HealthHSRD VANational Institute on Aging<h4>Objectives</h4>The aim is to pilot a low-touch program for reducing benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA; benzodiazepines, z-drugs) prescriptions among older veterans.<h4>Methods</h4>Pilot randomized controlled trial consists of 2,009 veterans aged ≥ 65 years who received BZRA prescriptions from a Veterans Health Administration pharmacy (Colorado or Montana) during the prior 18 months. Active: Arm 1 was a mailed brochure about BZRA risks that also included information about a free, online cognitive behavioral therapy for the insomnia (CBTI) program. Arm 2 was a mailed brochure (same as arm 1) and telephone reinforcement call. Control: Arm 3 was a mailed brochure without insomnia treatment information. Active BZRA prescriptions at follow-up (6 and 12 months) were measured.<h4>Results</h4>In logistic regression analyses, the odds of BZRA prescription at 6- and 12-month follow-ups were not significantly different for arm 1 or 2 (active) versus arm 3 (control), including models adjusted for demographics and prescription characteristics (<i>p</i>-values >0.36).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Although we observed no differences in active BZRA prescriptions, this pilot study provides guidance for conducting a future study, indicating a need for a more potent intervention. A full-scale trial testing an optimized program would provide conclusive results.<h4>Clinical implications</h4>Mailing information about BZRA risks and CBTI did not affect BZRA prescriptions.Clinical gerontologist1-12https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC10076445biostudies-literaturePilot RCT Testing A Mailing About Sleeping Pills and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: Impact on Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs.PMC10076445IK6 HX003160I01 HX002166K24 HL143055K01 AG061239Kaufmann CNMak SSFung CHAlessi CAUlmer CMcCarthy MSLum HDSmith JPMartin JLMitchell MNfalsePilot RCT Testing A Mailing About Sleeping Pills and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia: Impact on Benzodiazepines and Z-Drugs.<h4>Objectives</h4>The aim is to pilot a low-touch program for reducing benzodiazepine receptor agonist (BZRA; benzodiazepines, z-drugs) prescriptions among older veterans.<h4>Methods</h4>Pilot randomized controlled trial consists of 2,009 veterans aged ≥ 65 years who received BZRA prescriptions from a Veterans Health Administration pharmacy (Colorado or Montana) during the prior 18 months. Active: Arm 1 was a mailed brochure about BZRA risks that also included information about a free, online cognitive behavioral therapy for the insomnia (CBTI) program. Arm 2 was a mailed brochure (same as arm 1) and telephone reinforcement call. Control: Arm 3 was a mailed brochure without insomnia treatment information. Active BZRA prescriptions at follow-up (6 and 12 months) were measured.<h4>Results</h4>In logistic regression analyses, the odds of BZRA prescription at 6- and 12-month follow-ups were not significantly different for arm 1 or 2 (active) versus arm 3 (control), including models adjusted for demographics and prescription characteristics (<i>p</i>-values >0.36).<h4>Conclusions</h4>Although we observed no differences in active BZRA prescriptions, this pilot study provides guidance for conducting a future study, indicating a need for a more potent intervention. A full-scale trial testing an optimized program would provide conclusive results.<h4>Clinical implications</h4>Mailing information about BZRA risks and CBTI did not affect BZRA prescriptions.2022-01-01T00:00:00Z2022 Oct2025-05-29T14:38:22.058Z2025-05-29T14:38:22.058ZS-EPMC100764453620040310.1080/07317115.2022.2130849