Older adults’ perceptions of deprescribing chronic benzodiazepines

ObjectiveThe primary objective of our study was to explore older adults’ willingness stop or lower the dose frequency their chronic benzodiazepine with long-term goal developing a patient-centered intervention support adults during deprescribing process.MethodsWe conducted semistructured interviews aged 60 years and who reported taking for at least 3 months. We recruited participants using institutional research recruitment website between September November 2019. Eligible completed an interview which audio-recorded subsequently transcribed. identified themes related consider benzodiazepine, if recommended by prescriber in hypothetical scenario. Secondary outcomes focused on use perceptions as well experiences attempting medication.ResultsAmong 21 participants, most were female (n = 14, 66.7%), white 20, 95.2%), good fair health 17, 81.0%). More than three-fourths data 14 18, 77.8%) had taken 6 more years. Participants generally that medication very effective 16, 76.2%) adverse effects infrequent 5, 23.8%). varied widely attitudes toward questions about changing current benzodiazepine. A total 7 people open stopping medication, 4 willing potentially it, 10 resistant. However, idea de-escalation 81.0%).ConclusionMany it prescriber. Older lowering medication. Further is needed design tool prescribers conversations benzodiazepines.