Evaluation of real-world evidence to assess health outcomes related to deprescribing medications in older adults: an International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology–endorsed systematic review of methodology - Summary - MDSpire

Evaluation of real-world evidence to assess health outcomes related to deprescribing medications in older adults: an International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology–endorsed systematic review of methodology

  • By

  • Kaleen N Hayes

  • Joshua David Niznik

  • Danijela Gnjidic

  • Frank Moriarty

  • Nha Tran

  • Antoinette B Coe

  • Andrew R Zullo

  • Sirui Zhang

  • Matthew Alcusky

  • Dimitri Bennett

  • Sirpa Hartikainen

  • Marie-Laure Laroche

  • Xiaojuan Li

  • Joshua K Lin

  • Jennifer L Lund

  • Maurizio Sessa

  • Shahar Shmuel

  • Caroline Sirois

  • Denis Talbot

  • Miia Tiihonen

  • Xuerong Wen

  • Mouna J Sawan

  • Daniela C Moga

  • November 4, 2024

  • 0 min

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Objective:

To describe methodological approaches used in observational studies of deprescribing medications in older adults and identify key issues for improving transparency in reporting.

Key Findings:
  • Forty-five studies included, covering a range of drug classes (e.g., statins, aspirin, bisphosphonates) and various health conditions.
  • Most studies adequately addressed potential time-related biases.
  • Twelve studies lacked a clear definition of deprescribing.
  • There was significant heterogeneity in defining the minimum duration for deprescribing, with less than one-third providing justification for their definitions.
Interpretation:

Observational studies are prevalent for examining deprescribing effects; however, inconsistencies in measurement and a lack of transparency in reporting raise concerns about the validity of findings.

Limitations:
  • Lack of clear definitions for deprescribing in some studies, leading to potential misinterpretation.
  • Heterogeneity in study methodologies and reporting standards, which complicates comparisons.
  • Potential biases in observational study designs, such as confounding by indication and selection bias.
Conclusion:

There is a pressing need for minimum sufficient reporting criteria for observational studies on deprescribing to enhance methodological rigor and transparency.

Original Source(s)

Evaluation of real-world evidence to assess health outcomes related to deprescribing medications in older adults: an International Society for Pharmacoepidemiology–endorsed systematic review of methodology

  • by Kaleen N Hayes, Joshua David Niznik, Danijela Gnjidic, Frank Moriarty, Nha Tran, Antoinette B Coe, Andrew R Zullo, Sirui Zhang, Matthew Alcusky, Dimitri Bennett, Sirpa Hartikainen, Marie-Laure Laroche, Xiaojuan Li, Joshua K Lin, Jennifer L Lund, Maurizio Sessa, Shahar Shmuel, Caroline Sirois, Denis Talbot, Miia Tiihonen, Xuerong Wen, Mouna J Sawan, Daniela C Moga

  • November 4, 2024

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