A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial Utilizing the Drug Burden Index to Reduce Exposure to Anticholinergic and Sedative Medications in Older People

This was a cluster randomized controlled trial with 3 months of follow-up. Participants were aged ≥70 years living in self-care retirement villages in Sydney. The intervention involved a letter and phone call to GPs using DBI to prompt them to consider cessation or dose reduction of anticholinergic and sedative medications. The primary outcome was to assess the impact of DBI information on prescribing practices.

To assess the impact of providing information about Drug Burden Index (DBI) to general practitioners on prescribing for older people.

Letter and phone call to GPs with DBI feedback and educational material to prompt medication review.

Geriatrician and clinical pharmacologist

Aged ≥70 years, living in self-care retirement villages, regular GP consultations

Change in Drug Burden Index, prescribing changes, barriers to medication reduction