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Table 1 PICOS framework

From: Anti-hypertensive drugs deprescribing: an updated systematic review of clinical trials

Component

Description

Review question

What is the clinical- and cost-effectiveness of stopping antihypertensive treatment?

Area of scope

Effects of stopping treatment

Objective:

To evaluate the risks and benefits of stopping antihypertensive therapy to inform a recommendation

Population

People taking antihypertensive drugs as primary or secondary prevention for at least 1 year

Intervention

Stopping anti-hypertensive agents (thiazides, beta blockers, alpha blockers, calcium-channel blockers, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers)

Comparison

Continuing anti hypertension agents

Outcomes

Critical:

• All-cause mortality

• Cardiovascular mortality

• Non-fatal myocardial infarction

• Stroke

• Quality of life

• Hospitalization

• Admission to care facility

Important:

• Blood pressure

• Falls

Study design

RCTs and systematic reviews of RCTs

Exclusion

Pregnant women taking anti-hypertensives for secondary prevention

Drugs used for other indications

Duration of treatment less than 1 year

  1. Abbreviations: RCTs randomized controlled trials