Barriers to and Enablers of Supporting Deprescribing Benzodiazepines in Older Adults: A Survey of European Nonphysician Healthcare Professionals.

DOI
Publisher DOI
PubMed ID
40898700
Abstract
Although physicians are primarily responsible for Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonist (BZRA) deprescribing, nonphysician healthcare professionals (HCPs) can support deprescribing. This study explored barriers to and enablers of BZRA deprescribing among nonphysician HCPs. We surveyed 258 HCPs (63.2% nurses) working in hospital settings across six European countries using a questionnaire based on the Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF). Logistic regression assessed associations between TDF domains and both intentions to support and routine engagement in BZRA deprescribing. Major barriers (TDF items with mean < 3) were found in the goals (competing priorities), environmental context and resources (time and staff lack) and social influences (patient reluctance) domains. Five TDF domains were associated with a stronger intention to support deprescribing: social/professional role and identity (OR, 3.08; 95% CI, 1.77-5.46); beliefs about consequences (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.07-3.34); memory, attention and decision processing (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.16-2.82); intention to promote alternatives (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.07-2.49); and reinforcement (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.08-2.29). Knowledge was the only domain associated with routine BZRA deprescribing support (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.27). Different categories of HCPs face similar major barriers, but barriers vary across HCP categories and countries. Context-specific, targeted interventions may enhance support for BZRA deprescribing.
Date Issued
2025-10
Publication Type
Article
Subject(s)
Subjects
benzodiazepines
•
deprescribing
•
medication safety
•
nonphysician staff
•
older adults
Language(s)
en
Author(s)
Shapoval, Vladyslav
Evrard, Perrine
Sibille, François-Xavier
López-Toribio, María
Dalleur, Olivia
Tsoutsi, Vagioula
Maldonado, Laura Fernández
Miralles, Ramon
Wichniak, Adam
Gustavsson, Katarzyna
Wyller, Torgeir Bruun
Callegari, Enrico
Grimshaw, Jeremy M
Presseau, Justin
Henrard, Séverine
Spinewine, Anne
Additional Credits
Journal
Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology
Publisher
Wiley
ISSN
1742-7843
1742-7835
Funding(s)
Access(Rights)
open.access
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