Deprescribing for Older Dialysis Patients

Deprescribing for Older Dialysis Patients

Aim 1 of the study is to identify the elements of a deprescribing intervention that address contextual factors specific to dialysis.

Aim 2 of the study, described in this record, is to determine the feasibility of a deprescribing intervention tailored for older dialysis patients.

Older adults receiving dialysis are often prescribed multiple medications. Some of these medications are used to treat symptoms, but they also can increase the chance of significant health problems. The purpose of this study is to identify if it is feasible to reduce the use of medications that have been identified as causing an increased risk for health problems.

Inclusion Criteria (patients):

• an adult receiving dialysis for at least 6 months
• at least one active prescription for a potentially inappropriate medication (gabapentinoids, clonidine, alpha blockers, muscle relaxants, and Z-drugs)

Exclusion Criteria (patients):

• advanced dementia
• hospice care
• non-English speaking

Inclusion Criteria (providers):

• must be employed by Duke
• must see patients at a Duke affiliated DaVita hemodialysis (HD) clinic where Duke nephrologists serve as medical directors and rounding physicians

Exclusion Criteria (providers):

None