Work

Identification of Barriers and Needs in the Discontinuation of Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonists in Elderly Patients of a Rural Community—A Qualitative Study

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background. The predictors of successful discontinuation of benzodiazapine agonist receptors (BZRA) in elderly patients are not well known due to lack of research on the subject, and it is appointed the need for further investigation, with more focus from the patients' point of view. No previous studies were identified that have been carried out in Portugal on this subject. Objectives. We proposed to identify the barriers and facilitators in the discontinuation of BZRA from the perceptions of elderly patients under prolonged prescription of BZRA, belonging to the same rural community. The gains in health intended to be the identification of potential intervention targets directed at patients, in order to reduce the prevalence of elderly patients under prolonged prescription of BZRA. Methods. A set of fifteen semi-structured interviews with patients under prolonged prescription of BZRA was carried. Content analysis was done by the main researcher and a reviewer in order to identify original emerging themes for the two underlying domains. Results. Four themes were identified as barriers to discontinuation of BZRA: (1) patient characteristics, (2) clinical factors, (3) medication-related factors, and (4) context and external factors. Seven themes were identified as facilitators to discontinuation of BZRA: (1) motivation, (2) patients' knowledge, (3) perception of BZRA insufficiency, (4) access to written information, (5) access to alternatives, (6) time for decision making, and (7) attitudes of health professionals. Conclusions. The findings highlight the challenging nature of BZRA discontinuation and the range of barriers and facilitators that impact patients’ behaviour towards this purpose.

Source: Geriatrics

DOI: 10.3390/geriatrics10010018

Authors: Tiago de Barros Mendes, Marta Nazha, Ana Luísa Neves, Paula Broeiro-Gonçalves

Institutions: University of Évora, Universidade do Porto, Imperial College London, Universidade Nova de Lisboa

Language: English

Topic: Pharmaceutical Practices and Patient Outcomes

Subfield: Geriatrics and Gerontology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,172