Nearly 1 in 6 medications discontinued or reduced during hospitalization were restarted within 90 days among older adults discharged to skilled nursing facilities, according to a study published June 8 in JAMA Network Open.
Researchers analyzed data from two randomized deprescribing trials involving 598 adults ages 50 and older who were taking at least five medications before hospitalization. Here are four notes:
- Overall, 69.7% of participants restarted at least one deprescribed medication, though 84% of all deprescribed medications remained discontinued 90 days after discharge from a skilled nursing facility.
- Among the 8,734 medications that were deprescribed, 1,385 (15.9%) were restarted. Nearly half of restart episodes occurred between seven and 90 days after discharge from a skilled nursing facility, with the highest daily restart rate occurring during the first week at home. The most frequently restarted medication classes were nonopioid analgesics, antihypertensives and diabetes medications.
- Higher health literacy and longer exposure to the deprescribing intervention were associated with lower rates of medication restart. In contrast, a higher baseline medication burden, more prescribers and the use of one or two pharmacies rather than three were associated with higher restart rates.
- Medication restart during a skilled nursing facility stay was associated with a higher risk of hospital readmission within 90 days, though it was not associated with emergency department visits.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.