Prescribing for older people with sensory impairment : a qualitative interview study with independent prescribers in primary care

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Morrison, Brenda Clark and Lennon, Marilyn and Watson, Margaret C (2026) Prescribing for older people with sensory impairment : a qualitative interview study with independent prescribers in primary care. BMJ Open, 16 (2). e108063. ISSN 2044-6055 (https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2025-108063)

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Abstract

Objectives To explore prescribers’ awareness of medicine-related challenges of older people (≥65 years) with sensory impairment (hearing, visual or dual impaired) and identify the influences on prescribing behaviours for these patient populations. Design Semistructured interviews were completed online. Setting Primary care-based prescribers in the UK. Participants Independent prescribers working in primary care. Participants were recruited through professional networks and organisations, social media and using snowballing. Purposive sampling was used to ensure variation in roles, practice/organisational settings and geographical location. Results 15 prescribers participated, including general practitioners (n=6), pharmacists (n=5), nurses (n=3) and one optometrist. Many demonstrated limited awareness of sensory impairment and suggested that outdated patient records contribute to it being easy to overlook. Prescribers underestimated sensory impairment prevalence, with one predicting that only a small proportion of older patients had hearing loss. Formal training on prescribing for older people with sensory impairment was minimal, and most relied on experiential learning. Prescribers employed strategies to support safe prescribing, such as simplifying regimens and selecting lower-risk medications. The prescribers also reported a lack of evidence-based guidelines or resources tailored to these patient populations. Conclusions Prescribers currently receive minimal training to support their prescribing practices for older people with sensory impairment. Given the increasing prevalence of age-related sensory impairment, evidence-based resources and training are needed to support prescribing for these patient populations.

ORCID iDs

Morrison, Brenda Clark, Lennon, Marilyn ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0003-3271-2400 and Watson, Margaret C ORCID logoORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8198-9273;
CORE (COnnecting REpositories)