Validating claims-based definitions for deprescribing: Bridging the gap between clinical and administrative data.

Niznik JD, Shmuel S, Pate V, Thorpe CT, Hanson LC, Rice C, Lund JL. Validating claims-based definitions for deprescribing: Bridging the gap between clinical and administrative data. Pharmacoepidemiology and drug safety. 2024 Apr 1; 33(4):e5784.

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Abstract:

BACKGROUND: Limited research has evaluated the validity of claims-based definitions for deprescribing. OBJECTIVES: Evaluate the validity of claims-based definitions of deprescribing against electronic health records (EHRs) for deprescribing of benzodiazepines (BZDs) after a fall-related hospitalization. METHODS: We used a novel data linkage between Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) and Part D with our health system''s EHR. We identified patients aged = 66?years with a fall-related hospitalization, continuous enrollment in Medicare FFS and Part D for 6?months pre- and post-hospitalization, and = 2 BZD fills in the 6?months pre-hospitalization. Using a standardized EHR abstraction tool, we adjudicated deprescribing for a sub-sample with a fall-related hospitalization at UNC. We evaluated the validity of claims-based deprescribing definitions (e.g., gaps in supply, dosage reductions) versus chart review using sensitivity and specificity. RESULTS: Among 257 patients in the overall sample, 44% were aged 66-74?years, 35% had Medicare low-income subsidy, 79% were female. Among claims-based definitions using gaps in supply, the prevalence of BZD deprescribing ranged from 8.2% (no refills) to 36.6% (30-day gap). When incorporating dosage, the prevalence ranged from 55.3% to 65.8%. Among the validation sub-sample (n? = 47), approximately one-third had BZDs deprescribed in the EHR. Compared to EHR, gaps in supply from claims had good sensitivity, but poor specificity. Incorporating dosage increased sensitivity, but worsened specificity. CONCLUSIONS: The sensitivity of claims-based definitions for deprescribing of BZDs was low; however, the specificity of a 90-day gap was > 90%. Replication in other EHRs and for other low-value medications is needed to guide future deprescribing research.