Vladyslav Shapoval

and 18 more

While physicians are primarily responsible for Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonist (BZRA) deprescribing, non-physician healthcare professionals (HCPs) can support deprescribing. This study explored barriers to BZRA deprescribing faced by non-physician HCPs. We surveyed 258 HCPs (63.2% nurses) across six European countries using a Theoretical Domain Framework (TDF)-based questionnaire. Logistic regression assessed associations between TDF domains and HCPs’ intention to support deprescribing and their routine support of BZRA deprescribing. Major barriers (defined as TDF items with a mean<3) were found in the Goals (competing priorities), Environmental Context and Resources (time and staff lack), and Social Influence (patient reluctance) domains. Five TDF domains were associated with a stronger intention to support deprescribing: Social/Professional Role and Identity (odds ratio [OR], 3.08; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.77-5.46); Beliefs about Consequences (OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.07-3.34); Memory, Attention and Decision Processing (OR, 1.80; 95% CI, 1.16-2.82); Intention to promote alternatives (OR, 1.63; 95% CI, 1.07-2.49) and Reinforcement (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.08-2.29). Knowledge was the only domain associated with routine BZRA deprescribing support (OR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.06-1.27). Different categories of HCPs face similar major barriers, but barriers vary across HCP categories and countries. Adapted to contextual differences, targeted interventions may address barriers, enhancing BZRA deprescribing.