Aims - To determine whether deprescribing within a Geriatric Evaluation and Management in the Home (GEMITH), as part of a community interface program improves the quality of life (QoL) in older adults, and to evaluate sustainability of deprescribing and its association with emergency department (ED) presentations, readmissions at 30 days post-discharge from GEMITH.
Methods - A prospective single-site pilot study in Brisbane recruited patients admitted to GEMITH over 3 months. Review and patient-centred deprescribing of medications were undertaken by GEMITH team. QoL was measured using the validated took EQ-5D-5L at admission and 30 days post-discharge. ED presentations, readmissions, and falls were recorded 30 days post discharge. The data was. statistically analysed with parametric and non-parametric tests as appropriate.
Results - 43 patients were enrolled (median age of 83 years). 41 underwent medication review and 20 (63%) had at least one medication deprescribed. 34 completed the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire at admission and 23 questionnaires were completed at 30 days post discharge. Deprescribing was sustained in 44% of participants at 30 days post discharge. There was no statistically significant difference in QoL with EQ-5D-5L domains, ED presentation, readmissions and falls.
Conclusions - Deprescribing within a community interface program led by Geriatrician was achievable and not associated with short term adverse outcomes. However, there was no statistically significant difference in health related quality of life demonstrated 30 days after discharge from the program. A larger study with longer follow up period may be required to detect clinically significant impact.