Discontinuation of medications at the end of life : a population study in Belgium, based on linked administrative databases

Abstract: Aims The aim of this study was to examine the use of potentially inappropriate medication (PIM) in relation to time before death, to explore whether PIMs are discontinued at the end of life, and the factors associated with this discontinuation. Methods We conducted a retrospective register‐based mortality cohort study of all deceased in 2012 in Belgium, aged at least 75 years at time of death (n = 74 368), using linked administrative databases. We used STOPPFrail to identify PIMs received during the period from 12 to 6 months before death (P1) and the last 4 months (P2) of life. Resu... Mehr ...