Entering the final phases of TAPER study

TAPER (Team Approach to Polypharmacy Evaluation and Reduction) is in the final stretch of recruitment and completing follow-ups with patients. Previous sites in Nanaimo and Edmonton have closed recruitment, while two practices associated with the Hamilton Family Health Team joined TAPER, along with McMaster Family Practice and Stonechurch Family Health Centre. 
 
An established linkage between TAPER and the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA) shows a strong relationship between number of medications and negative outcomes for patients. 
 
The main results paper of the successful pilot trial (TAPER-F) has been published, as well as a sub-analysis examining patient medication goals and priorities, which finds strong correlations with recommended medication changes –  a positive marker that patient priorities are being attended to during the medication review process. A manuscript describing the theoretical work to create TAPER is currently under review. 
 
For more information, contact Jeffrey Templeton, Research Coordinator (templetj@mcmaster.ca).