Optimising end-of-life geriatric pharmacotherapy: a hospital-based retrospective cohort study of deprescribing early in the care trajectory before hospice transition.

INTRODUCTION

Polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) are common among terminally ill older people and often persist until death, undermining comfort-focused care. While deprescribing is an effective strategy to optimise medicines use at the end of life, its timing is crucial. Delaying deprescribing until after hospice admission may diminish opportunities for comprehensive medication review during hospital-based care, when a full multidisciplinary team (MDT) and complete clinical records are available. Timely deprescribing during the final days of hospital-based care before hospice transition may better align pharmacotherapy with end-of-life goals and facilitate transition.

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the impact of an MDT-led intervention delivered during the final days of hospital-based care before hospice transition on medication burden, PIM use, and symptom control prescribing.

METHOD

This retrospective cohort study was conducted at a Jordanian tertiary hospital. Patients aged ≥ 65 years with life-limiting illnesses who were transitioned to hospice care between January and December 2022 were included. Medication data were extracted at baseline (seven days before MDT review) and post-intervention (in the final 24 h of hospital-based care). Deprescribing was categorised as proactive (planned discontinuation to prevent future harm) or reactive (triggered by an immediate clinical issue). Medication appropriateness was assessed using STOPPFrail version 2. Regimen complexity was evaluated using the Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI).

RESULTS

Among 165 patients, polypharmacy (use of ≥ five medications) prevalence declined from 63.0% to 14.5% (P < 0.001), and the proportion receiving ≥ one PIM decreased from 91.6% to 34.0% (P < 0.001). The mean number of chronic medications declined by 4.5 (± 3.2), and MRCI scores decreased by 4.8 points (P < 0.001). Of 736 medications discontinued, 65.9% were proactively deprescribed. Use of symptom control medications, particularly opioids, increased significantly (from 5 to 64 prescriptions; P < 0.001). Regression analysis identified baseline polypharmacy, high MRCI, and dyslipidaemia as predictors of greater PIM reduction.

CONCLUSION

MDT-led deprescribing, implemented during the final days of hospital-based care before hospice transition, was associated with reduced medication burden and PIM use, alongside increased symptom-focused prescribing. These findings support the integration of structured, proactive deprescribing into hospital-based care to improve medication safety, enhance patient comfort, and facilitate continuity across care settings.