3.3.3. Patient reported outcomes
Patient reported outcomes were reported by both randomised trials but
only at short and intermediate follow-up. The longest data collection
point was at 26 weeks. (32) There was no long-term follow-up. Only one
study reported pain outcomes (the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) out of 100
at short-term follow-up). (31) There was no difference in pain intensity
levels pre and post intervention. (31) Quality of life outcomes were
reported in both randomised trials. The trials measured quality of life
using the EuroQol-5 Dimension (EQ-5D-5L) system at a short-term
follow-up (31) and the Mean Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAM-A) at
intermediate-term follow-up (32) and the scores improved following
implementation of the deprescribing interventions. (31, 32) Neither
non-randomised controlled trials reported any patient outcomes. A
summary of patient reported outcomes is reported in Table 4.
No studies reported participants needing additional support (e.g.
patient counselling, co-prescribed medication) throughout the
ceasing/dose reduction process. Rescue medicine was permitted in one
study in generalised anxiety disorder. (32)