Development and Validation of a Deprescribing Tool Relevant to the Indian Context and Evaluation of Its Effectiveness in Reducing Inappropriate Polypharmacy in the Elderly
The goal of this clinical trial is to learn if a deprescribing tool can help in reducing prescriptions with potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs), in the Indian elderly population. The main question it aims to answer is- Can inappropriate polypharmacy in elderly patients be reduced through development and implementation of a deprescribing tool relevant to the Indian context? Researchers will compare control arm outcome parameters to see if there is a reduction in Proportion of prescriptions with at least one PIM ( Primary outcome parameter). Participating Prescribers ( Physicians) will be randomized to Control or Intervention arms. Particpating patients will not be randomized, and will receive routine consultation with a Physician who does not use the Deprescribing Tool (Control arm) or a prescriber who uses the Deprescribing tool ( Intervention Arm)
• Elderly patients (≥ 60 years) of either sex, visiting the General Medicine/ Community and Family Medicine OPD of the study sites