Inappropriate Prescribing
Conditions
Keywords
Benzodiazepine, Medication overuse., Inappropriate Prescribing
Brief summary
This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive, multicomponent intervention utilizing education and support for Benzodiazepines withdrawal compared to standard care.
Detailed description
The excessive use of benzodiazepines (BZDs) presents significant health concerns and high healthcare costs, particularly in Spain, where usage rates are among the highest globally. In Andalusian, over a 10% of the population use BZDs long-term, prompting the need for safe and effective reduction strategies. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of a comprehensive, multicomponent intervention utilizing education and support for BZD withdrawal compared to standard care. The intervention involved educational discussions, consultations with health professionals, and letters supported by multiple scientific societies.
Interventions
BEHAVIORALIntervention for reducing benzodiazepines long-term use.
Comprehensive, multicomponent intervention utilizing education and support for benzodiazepines. Family doctor, nurse, community pharmacist and social workers: carried out informative discussion with the patient with by providing educational material. They informed patients about the advantages, disadvantages and alternatives to benzodiazepines including a descending benzodiazepines schedule to minimize withdrawal symptoms. It briefly explained the professionals' concerns about the continued use of benzodiazepines and offers possible solutions. If the patient requested a withdrawal, he/she was referred to the doctor.
Sponsors
Andalusian School of Public Health
Andalusian Health Service
Study design
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
SINGLE (Outcomes Assessor)
Masking description
Data collector was not involved in outcomes assessment.
Intervention model description
cluster-randomized, parallel-group trial in which health centres were the units of randomization and patients were the units of analysis
Eligibility
Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
Yes
Inclusion criteria
* users of health centre's with more than 4 weeks of benzodiazepines use. * users of health centre's over 18 years of age.
Exclusion criteria
* users of health centre's with mental disorder. * users of health centre's terminal. * users of health centre's with alcohol dependence. * users of health centre's with dementia. * users of health centre's who had intellectual disabilities. * users of health centre's unable to cooperate with the questionnaires.
Design outcomes
Primary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Number of dispensing of benzodiazepines. | 3.5 years | Number of dispensing of benzodiazepines, measured at the level of the participant. |
Secondary
| Measure | Time frame | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Knowledge | 6 months | Knowledge: Empower questionary, measured at the level of the participant. |
| Life Quality | 6 months | Quality of life:Functional Status Measurement Sheets by coop World Organisation of Family Doctors (COOP/ WONCA): The six COOP-WONCA Charts are described by vignettes and measured at the level of the participant: physical fitness, feelings, daily activities, social activities, change in health and overall health. WONCA: World Organisation of Family Doctors |
Countries
Spain
Outcome results
None listed