OPTIMISE2 Study

Full title: Optimising Prescription of Treatment In older patients with Mild hypertension at Increased risk of Serious adverse Events 

More than one in three adults aged 75+ years are prescribed five or more drugs to treat their long-term conditions. People who take lots of drugs are more likely to end up with reduced independence and quality of life as they get older. They are also more likely to end up in hospital due to drug side effects. One solution is to stop or ‘deprescribe’ drugs which no longer provide benefit, or could be potentially harmful. 

The most commonly prescribed drugs in older people are those used to lower blood pressure. These drugs reduce the risk of a stroke and heart attack. However, in some frail older people, they might also be harmful, causing kidney problems and fainting (leading to serious falls). This could cancel out any potential benefits of treatment. This uncertainty makes blood pressure lowering drugs an ideal target for deprescribing. 

The aim of this trial will establish whether deprescribing common drugs that lower blood pressure is safe in older people. We will answer: 

1. What is the effect of deprescribing blood pressure lowering drugs on hospital admissions and overall health outcomes? 

2. Does deprescribing improve quality of life and/or save money for the NHS?

If you are registered in these 3 practices; Fitzrovia Medical Practice, Cavendish Health Centre and Pimlico Health at the Marven and think you might be eligible, please let us know at hcl.trials@nhs.net.