A series of survey studies, conducted by the Nuffield Department of Primary Care at Oxford University, to investigate the attitudes of the over-65’s to their prescription medications, and how they are managed
Around 90% of the over-65’s take regular medication (often several), and for many of these patients, the initial prescription remains appropriate, year in, year out. However, this cannot just be assumed, which is why we’re all required to undergo regular medication reviews with a healthcare professional. And, on occasion, this can lead to what’s known as ‘de-prescribing’ – the reduction or cessation of inappropriate medication.
The process is, of course, always guided by what the healthcare professional considers is in their patient’s best interests, but there’s been relatively little research into what the patients themselves think about this aspect of their medication management. That was until a team from Oxford University, led by DPhil researcher Rebecca Garnett, set up a series of survey studies to obtain feedback from these patients, and their informal caregivers.
The first of these, a survey of ‘attitudes to deprescribing’, was promoted among u3a Communities’ members in 2023, and many of us volunteered to take part (see: Oxford ‘Attitudes to deprescribing’ project). That study is now complete, and, in June 2024, Rebecca joined us online to give an excellent presentation about her results – you can watch the recording here: ‘Polypharmacy and the Elderly’
At the end of her presentation, she also told us about her follow-up study, which focuses exclusively on blood pressure medication, taken by more than half of over-65’s. Some of you may have already participated in that survey, and Rebecca has asked me to pass on her thanks to those who have. The survey will be closing shortly, but there’s still time to take part. For more information, and the contact details, click here: Oxford ‘Blood pressure medication survey study’.