Preparing projects...
Preparing projects...Preparing projects...
Preparing projects...A collaborative network and research register dedicated to reducing anticholinergic medicine use in older people across the UK.
For more than a decade the ACER research team at the University of Aberdeen, led by Prof. Phyo Myint, have been researching the harms of a group of medicines known as anticholinergics to the health and well-being of older people.
Our work has uncovered that many health professionals want to do more to reduce use of these medicines with older people but are unsure how to do it. We've identified that there are many good ideas being explored within our health services, but what was learned from these was not being shared.
Our work has revealed a capacity limitation in relation to low connectivity between researchers and clinicians in their search for a solution for this important issue. This is resulting in duplicate work, wasting resources and inhibiting solutions from being identified and implemented on a large scale.
Our proposed solution is to develop a collaborative network of professionals (academic and non-academic) who have a keen interest in interventions to reduce anticholinergic medicine use in older people.
The ARC-HIVE network brings together researchers, clinicians, and healthcare professionals to share knowledge, experiences, and best practices in tackling this critical issue affecting older people's health.
Learn More About Our Collaboration
Visit the ARC-HIVE collaboration pageAs part of this collaboration we have set up this online research register. This register, hosted by the University of Aberdeen and led by Dr. Carrie Stewart, Prof. Phyo Myint and Prof. Roy Soiza, aims to showcase all anticholinergic reduction projects from across the UK so that knowledge, experiences and good practices are shared between those working in this area. This includes formal research and quality improvement studies.
Through our previous work we know that there are many excellent initiatives being tried or even already in use, but often these are not being shared with other academic and clinical teams. This is leading to missed opportunities to share and learn from each other, and likely, much duplication of efforts.
Our work also tells us there is a desire for more collaboration between those interested in this topic, but for some, there are many barriers preventing this from happening. It is envisaged that by showcasing all our efforts to improve anticholinergic prescribing and reduce harmful effects of these medicines, we can reduce research wastage, improve collaboration between clinicians and academics, and support individuals to play a bigger role in tackling this important issue.
The online registry aims to facilitate shared learning by encouraging reporters to share:
The register is open to all research and quality improvement initiatives, whether academic or clinical, and no matter what size or scale of your project.
Whether you're conducting formal research or implementing quality improvement initiatives within NHS services, we want to hear from you. Join our network and help us reduce the harmful effects of anticholinergic medicines on older people.
If you have any questions, please email acer@abdn.ac.uk and we can advise further.
Dr. Carrie Stewart
Lead Researcher
Prof. Phyo Myint
Principal Investigator
Prof. Roy Soiza
Co-Investigator
This work has been funded by the Vivensa Foundation (Academy Ignition Fund 2024-AIF/28).