Stakeholder perspectives towards reducing anticholinergic burden
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Patient and health professional perspectives towards overcoming barriers to reducing use of anticholinergic medications: a qualitative study
IRAS ID
275881
Contact name
Roy L Soiza
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Grampian
Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier
RG15379, University of Aberdeen
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 6 months, 0 days
Research summary
Many commonly prescribed medications have ‘anticholinergic’ properties, meaning they block the action of acetylcholine, a natural substance essential for the normal functioning of the body. These include medications for overactive bladder, sickness and some mental health problems. Our team’s previous research has shown that the more anticholinergic medications taken by a person, the greater their risk of heart attack, dementia, falls and death. We believe the risks of anticholinergics outweigh their benefits so we could improve health and wellbeing by minimising their use.
The only way to prove reducing anticholinergic medication is beneficial is to undertake a study where some people have medications reduced or stopped and others do not. However, we do not know how best to reduce use of these medications. This is important as this knowledge enables us to identify an approach that is acceptable and effective for both patients and clinicians.
To address this gap in knowledge, we will interview patients, carers and health professionals and propose a hypothetical intervention to explore what is important to them in the design and conduct of such an intervention. What we learn from this project will directly inform our planned intervention to be piloted within NHS Grampian.
REC name
South Central - Oxford C Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
20/SC/0178
Date of REC Opinion
4 May 2020
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion