Cluster-Controlled Trial of an Intervention to Improve Prescribing in Nursing Homes Study

To investigate the impact of a complex multifaceted intervention on the appropriateness of prescribing for Belgian nursing home (NH) residents.

A multicenter, nonblinded, cluster-randomized controlled trial, with randomization at the NH level, was set up [Cluster-Controlled Trial of an Intervention to Improve Prescribing in Nursing Homes (COME-ON) Study]. The complex intervention consisted of repeated interdisciplinary case conferences (ICCs) involving the general practitioner, pharmacist, and nurse, aimed at performing a medication review for each NH resident included. The ICCs were supported by a blended training program and local interdisciplinary meetings (discussion of the appropriate use of specific medication classes at the NH level). Control NHs delivered usual care. (isrctn.com: ISRCTN66138978).

Belgian NHs with at least 35 NH residents were eligible to participate. Eligible residents were those aged 65 years or over, not receiving palliative care, and being treated by a participating general practitioner.

The primary outcome measure related to appropriateness of prescribing at resident level and was considered successful when at least 1 potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) or potential prescribing omission (PPO) present at baseline had been solved at the end of study and when there were no new PIMs or PPOs at the end of study compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes included clinical outcomes, medication use, criterion-specific prevalence of PIMs and PPOs, and ICC outcomes.

In total, 54 NHs (24 intervention; 30 control) and 1804 NH residents (847 intervention; 957 control) participated. Using a 3-level mixed-effects model accounting for data clustering, a significant effect in favor of the intervention was observed (odds ratio 1.479 [95% confidence interval 1.062-2.059, P = .021]). There was no significant difference between groups for most clinical outcomes. The median number of medications did not change over time in either group.

The complex multifaceted intervention tested in the COME-ON study successfully improved appropriateness of prescribing in NHs.