Deprescribing for Older Dialysis Patients

"The deprescribing program was implemented as a clinical quality improvement project for patients receiving dialysis. Patients taking specific potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) were identified in the medical record. The PIMs of interest included gabapentinoids, clonidine, alpha blockers, muscle relaxants, and Z-drugs. If their nephrologist agreed to attempt deprescribing the PIM, either the nephrologist (Provider Only Communication) or a study team member (pharmacist or nurse, Provider/Patient Communication) would engage the patient in discussion about deprescribing. This discussion included patient education materials about the risk of the medication. If the patient agreed, they were provided taper instructions (if indicated) and were followed up at 1 month and 3 months.~The patient was also invited to enroll in a study to be interviewed about the deprescribing decision and experience, and undergo brief assessment of geriatric problems at baseline and at 3 months."