Discontinuing chronic medications: Perceptions of patients with life-limiting illness.

Abstract

97 Background: Optimal management of chronic medications is uncertain in life-limiting illness. To inform shared decision making, we assessed patient perceptions in a trial on the safety of discontinuing statins in life-limiting illness. Methods: Eligible adults (life expectancy 1–12 months, on statin for ≥ 3 months for primary/secondary prevention, recent functional decline, no active cardiovascular disease) were randomized to discontinue or continue statins and were followed monthly for up to 1 year. Cognitively intact participants were asked 9 questions regarding discontinuing statins prior to randomization. We used Pearson chi-square to compare responses between study groups and between those with and without cancer. Of 381 participants, 297 (78%) were cognitively intact (138 discontinued, 159 continued statins). Mean age was 72 years (SD 11) and mean number of medications used was 11.5 (SD 5.0); 58% (N = 173) had cancer. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the study groups in responses to the medication perception questions. Aggregate findings are presented (Table). Patients with cancer were less likely to think that they may be able to stop other medications (28% vs. 42%, p=0.007) and that statin discontinuation means that the doctor is giving up on them (1% vs. 7%, p=0.013). Conclusions: Few participants expressed concerns about discontinuing statins; many perceived potential benefits. Cancer patients may perceive less impact from stopping statins. Clinicians should inquire about patient concerns when engaging in shared decision making about discontinuing chronic medications in the setting of advanced cancer. Clinical trial information: NCT01415934. [Table: see text]