Adapting the Eliminating Medications Through Patient Ownership of End Results Protocol to Promote Benzodiazepine Cessation Among US Military Veterans: Focus Group Study With US Military Veterans and National Veterans Health Administration Leaders

• DOI: 10.2196/35514
• Publication Date: 2022-09-19T14:45:36Z
• Authors: Michael A Cucciare; Traci H Abraham; Lakiesha Kemp; Penny White; Kathy Marchant; Hildi J Hagedorn; Keith Humphreys
• Keywords: Health information technology; Veterans Affairs

Background Long-term dependence on prescribed benzodiazepines is a public health problem. Eliminating Medications Through Patient Ownership of End Results (EMPOWER) promising self-management intervention, delivered directly to patients as printed booklet, that effective in promoting benzodiazepine reduction and cessation older adults. EMPOWER has high potential benefit large care systems such the US Veterans Health Administration (VHA), which cares for many veterans who use extended periods. Objective We aimed adapt original booklet materials electronic delivery among military receiving VHA were long-term users. Methods used elements Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation, framework commonly field instructional design, guide qualitative approach iteratively adapting Electronic Delivery (EMPOWER-ED). conducted 3 waves focus groups with same 2 stakeholders. Stakeholders VHA-enrolled (n=16) medical chart evidence national leaders (n=7) expertise setting policy prescription developing electronically educational tools veterans. Qualitative data collected from each wave analyzed using template analysis. Themes emerged initial included veterans’ anxiety about self-tapering prior negative experiences attempting self-taper without support. Participants also provided feedback protocol’s look feel, content, tapering protocol, website functionality; example, listing, cover page, most ensure aware medications qualify EMPOWER-ED protocol. Both stakeholders identified importance having access supportive resources help manage sleep absence taking benzodiazepines. emphasized ensuring could be personalized taper instructions clear. The encouraging notify their provider decision facilitate assistance, if needed, process prevent medication stockpiling. Conclusions first direct-to-patient protocol designed use. Evaluation successful adaption this population delivery. next step line research evaluate randomized controlled trial.