Shared Medication PLanning In Home Hospice to Address Medication Regimen Complexity and Family Caregiver Burden: A Brief Report

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> Medication management in home hospice is challenging for family caregivers (FCGs). We tested a patient-centered medication review and FCG support program delivered by hospice staff called "Shared Medication PLanning In (SiMPLIfy) Home Hospice." <b><i>Methods:</i></b> A pilot cluster-randomized trial at two U.S. home hospice agencies measured the primary outcome of reduction in Medication Regimen Complexity Index (MRCI) (range 0 [no medications]-no upper limit) and secondary outcome of Family Caregiver Medication Administration Hassle Scale (FCMAHS) (range 0 [no hassle-120 [greatest hassle]). <b><i>Results:</i></b> Twenty-two patient-FCG dyads enrolled. Mean baseline MRCI in the intervention group = 39 (95% CI: 30.9, 47.1) and control group = 25.5 (95% CI: 21.0-30.1). Half of intervention patients (3 of 6) had reduced MRCI compared with 26.7% (4 of 15) control patients (<i>p</i> = 0.07). MRCI was not significantly associated with caregiver burden. FCMAHS differed between spousal and nonspousal FCGs (<i>p</i> = 0.12). <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> A clinician-FCG-patient communication program in home hospice is feasible and may reduce medication complexity. SiMPLIfy has the potential to reduce polypharmacy.