Date of Award
3-13-2025
Thesis Type
Masters
Document Type
Dissertation
Divisions
Faculty of Medicine
Department
Department of Primary Care Medicine
Institution
Universiti Malaya
Abstract
The deprescribing process, which aims to reduce or stop unnecessary medications, remains an area with limited research, especially in patients nearing the end of-life. Therefore, we aimed to explore the views, barriers and facilitators of patients, their carers and community palliative care nurses about deprescribing for patients nearing end-of-life. Methods: This qualitative study was conducted in Hospis Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, between September 2021 and August 2022. We recruited patients on ≥5 medications, their carers who were ≥18 years, and community palliative care nurses from Hospis Malaysia. Nurses were recruited because they conducted home visits, were able to identify patients who may benefit from deprescribing, and could initiate deprescribing following consultation with physicians. Individual in-depth interviews were conducted using a topic guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the transcribed interviews. Results: Five patients, 9 carers and 11 community palliative care nurses participated. Three themes emerged: (1) use of medications at end-of-life (2) social influences affecting deprescribing and (3) factors influencing deprescribing. Deprescribing was regarded as essential and important. Deprescribing was favoured when medication risks outweighed benefits, when medication was financially unsustainable, swallowing difficulties arose, or simplifying medication regimens was desired. Conversely, fears of medical relapse and perceived loss of hope acted as barriers. Nurses demonstrated a strong understanding of deprescribing and were able to implement it due to robust organisational support. Their confidence was bolstered by consistent guidance from hospice physicians and timely information from pharmacy teams. Conclusion: Deprescribing was deemed essential for patients nearing the end-of-life by patients, carers, and community palliative care nurses. Future research should broaden its scope to encompass diverse healthcare systems and settings, examining how cultural and professional factors influence end-of-life care, thus offering a more comprehensive understanding of deprescribing in various contexts.
Additional Information
khm
Recommended Citation
Abdul Hassan Chin, Aidah, "Deprescribing for patients nearing end-of-life: Views, barriers and facilitators of palliative care patients, carers and nurses" (2025). Student Works (2020-2029). 1894.
https://knova.um.edu.my/student_works_2020s/1894
Initial
Dissertation (M.A.) – Faculty of Medicine, Universiti Malaya, 2025.