HomeMed for Overmedication
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial examines a program called HomeMed, designed to improve health care for individuals transitioning from hospital to home. It focuses on those taking more than 10 medications daily, as this group often faces challenges when moving between care settings. The trial aims to determine if optimizing medication use can enhance health outcomes and prevent future hospital visits. Suitable candidates are English-speaking patients aged 65 and older who have been recently hospitalized and have arranged home health care services. As an unphased trial, this study offers participants the chance to contribute to valuable research that could enhance post-hospitalization care for many.
Do I need to stop my current medications for the trial?
The trial does not specify if you need to stop your current medications. However, since the study focuses on medication optimization, your current medications might be reviewed and adjusted.
What prior data suggests that this medication optimization program is safe?
Research has shown that taking many medications at once, known as polypharmacy, can cause confusion, medication errors, and harmful side effects. Studies have found that excessive drug use can lead to more hospital visits due to these issues. Therefore, careful medication management is crucial.
HomeMed aims to improve the combination of medicines a person takes after leaving the hospital. Although specific data on HomeMed's safety is not yet available, its goal is to reduce the risks associated with polypharmacy. It seeks to provide a safe way to help people manage their medications better and avoid problems.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about HomeMed because it offers a novel approach to tackling overmedication, which is a common issue with many current treatments relying heavily on pharmaceuticals. Unlike these traditional medication-based approaches, HomeMed is designed to empower individuals to manage their medication use more effectively at home, potentially reducing the need for excessive prescriptions. This method emphasizes patient autonomy and real-world application, making it a promising alternative that could lead to safer, more personalized care.
What evidence suggests that the HomeMed program is effective for medication optimization?
Research has shown that reviewing medications at home can reduce hospital visits for elderly patients at high risk. One study found that these reviews lowered unplanned hospital visits within six months. Another study demonstrated that reducing the number of medications can lead to better health outcomes, such as fewer hospital visits and lower death rates. Taking many medications often causes mistakes and side effects, so managing them can improve overall health. Trials focusing on safely reducing unnecessary medications support these findings by showing positive health results. This trial will evaluate the HomeMed program, which could effectively improve medication use and aid recovery after hospital discharge.16789
Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults aged 65 or older who have been hospitalized recently and are transitioning to home care with a referral from URMHC. Participants must be on more than 10 daily medications, have a primary care provider in the URMC system, can consent themselves, and speak English. Those in hospice or end-of-life care, with severe cognitive issues or communication disabilities that prevent effective participation are excluded.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Treatment
Participants receive a medication optimization program to improve health outcomes during the transition from hospital to home
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for safety and effectiveness after treatment
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- HomeMed
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
University of Rochester
Lead Sponsor
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Collaborator