Determinants of Hypnotic Discontinuation One Month After Discharge from an Acute Geriatric Ward: A Prospective, Observational Study

BackgroundDeprescribing long-term hypnotic drug use is recommended in older adults to reduce medication-related harm such as falls. It is currently unknown whether this might be feasible in geriatric inpatients. The aim of this study was hence to determine predisposing factors for discontinuation of benzodiazepines and Z-drugs one month after discharge in geriatric inpatients receiving usual care.MethodsA prospective observational study was performed at the University Hospitals Leuven (UZ Leuven, Belgium). Patient characteristics, hypnotic drug use and sleep quality were gathered up to one month after discharge. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to identify independent determinants.ResultsChronic hypnotic drug use was highly prevalent (26.6%) in the geriatric population of UZ Leuven. Ninety-six patients with a mean age of 85.7 (SD 4.7) years admitted to the acute geriatric ward over a period of 10 months were included for analysis. Upon admission, 74% used a benzodiazepine and 26% a Z-drug. One month after discharge, 35 patients (36.5%) discontinued the hypnotic drug and in 23 cases (24.0%) the equivalent daily dose was reduced. Cessation of the hypnotic drug during hospitalization was found to be the only determinant influencing discontinuation one month after discharge with an odds ratio of 9.43 (95% confidence interval: 3.23 – 32.13). This was not associated with any deterioration of sleep quality.ConclusionsThis study confirms the overuse of long-term BZD and Z-drug use in geriatric patients. Cessation of hypnotic drugs during hospitalization was strongly associated with persistent discontinuation one month after discharge.Trial registrationThe study was approved by the Ethics Committee of UZ Leuven (registration number B322201629331).