Patient perceptions of proactive medication discontinuation

Area of Science:

• Gerontology
• Health Services Research
• Patient-Centered Care

Background:

• Patients often prefer fewer medications, but discontinuation decisions require patient-provider collaboration.
• Optimizing medication use is crucial for patient well-being and healthcare efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify patient perspectives on intentional medication discontinuation.
• To understand patient attitudes towards reducing medication burden.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative analysis of 20 interviews and two focus groups with patients (mean age 66).
• Exploration of patient experiences with multiple medications and communication with providers about stopping medicines.

Main Results:

• Patients hold conflicting views on medication, desiring fewer but facing adherence challenges.
• Strong patient-provider relationships, trust, and shared decision-making are vital.
• Patients report limited experience with intentional medication discontinuation.

Conclusions:

• Many patients prefer fewer medications but do not communicate this to providers.
• Provider-initiated discontinuation is infrequently recalled by patients.
• Enhancing patient-provider relationships and understanding patient preferences can facilitate appropriate medication discontinuation.