Evaluation of a Pharmacist-Driven Ambulatory Aspirin Deprescribing Protocol

Recent guidelines indicate that aspirin affords less cardiovascular protection and greater bleeding risks in adults aged > 70 years. Deprescribing potentially inappropriate medications is particularly important in older adults, as this population experiences a high risk of adverse effects and polypharmacy. Limited data are available regarding targeted aspirin deprescribing approaches by pharmacists. The objective of this study was to implement and evaluate the success and feasibility of a pharmacist-led aspirin deprescribing protocol for older adults in a primary care setting.

This prospective feasibility study in a US Department of Veterans Affairs ambulatory care pharmacy setting included patients aged ≥ 70 years with documented aspirin use. We reviewed 459 patient records and determined that 110 were eligible for deprescribing. A pharmacistinitiated telephone call was attempted for each eligible patient to discuss the risks and benefits of deprescribing aspirin. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients reached for whom aspirin was discontinued. Secondary outcomes included patient rationale for declining deprescribing and the time to complete the intervention. Of 94 patients reached, 45 (48%) agreed to aspirin deprescribing, 3 (3%) agreed to dose reduction, and 29 (31%) declined the intervention. An additional 17 (18%) had previously stopped aspirin, which led to a medication reconciliation intervention. Pharmacists spent about 2 minutes per record review and 12 minutes on each encounter, including documentation.

Implementing a pharmacist-driven aspirin deprescribing protocol in a primary care setting led to the discontinuation of inappropriate aspirin prescribing in nearly half of older adults contacted. The protocol was well accepted by collaborating physicians and feasible for pharmacists to implement, with potential for further dissemination across primary care settings.