Protocol for a Multi-site Pilot Study of the OptiMed Clinical Trial

Plain-language summary

Background: Optimal medication management is one of the essential preconditions for polymedicated home-dwelling older adults with multiple chronic conditions to remain at home and preserve their quality of life and autonomy. This study aims to explore the feasibility and acceptability of an evidence-based, multi-component, interprofessional intervention programme supported by informal caregivers to decrease medication related problems (MRPs) among polymedicated, home-dwelling older adults with multiple chronic conditions. Methods: The pragmatic multi-site OptiMed pilot study will use an open-label design, where participants know what they are signing up for and will take place in primary healthcare settings in Portugal and Switzerland. The research population will comprise polymedicated home-dwelling adults aged 65 years old or more, at risk of MRPs and receiving community-based healthcare. Discussion: This pilot study will focus on the recruitment and collaboration of study participants and piloting the feasibility of the evidence-based, multi-component, interprofessional intervention programme. The full-scale study, following on from the OptiMed pilot study, will support the development of a standardised, evidence-based, multi-component, interprofessional intervention programme to reduce MRPs. It will also be an essential part of follow-up research programmes on the multiple roles of informal caregivers, as it will put their coordination tasks into perspective with their own needs.

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