By applying constructivist learning theory to the development of the educational intervention, we aimed to evaluate the potential of this tool for increasing the patient’s risk perception by eliciting cognitive dissonance through knowledge acquisition and belief alteration. We hypothesized that improvements in patient knowledge, beliefs and perceived medication risk would lead to greater motivation for initiating discussions about drug discontinuation with a doctor or pharmacist and greater self-efficacy

for tapering benzodiazepine use. A quasi-experimental study was conducted among a cohort of chronic benzodiazepine users aged 65 years and older in Montreal, Canada. Participants were randomized to immediately receive an educational intervention to reduce inappropriate prescriptions or to a six-month wait-list group. The current analysis presents MG-132 price interim results on check details short-term changes in risk perceptions about benzodiazepines due to the intervention. The study was approved by the Institut Universitaire de Gériatrie de Montréal Ethics Committee in Montreal, Quebec, Canada.

The study population included community-dwelling men and women aged 65 years and older, consuming at least five prescription medications including a benzodiazepine dispensed for at least three consecutive months. Exclusion criteria were a diagnosis of severe mental illness or dementia ascertained by the presence of an active prescription for any antipsychotic medication and/or a cholinesterase inhibitor or memantine. Participants unable to communicate in French and/or English or showing evidence of significant cognitive impairment (score under 21 [8] on the MOCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment))

were also excluded. Participants others were recruited from community pharmacies in the greater Montreal area. Pharmacists identified eligible patients from their databases and invited them to enroll in the study through personalized mailed invitations, referring them to the study coordinator. A telephone follow up from the pharmacist (or delegate) aimed to ascertain interest in the study from eligible participants who had not spontaneously contacted the coordinator. An appointment was made with the study coordinator at participant’s residence for those who provided permission to be contacted for the study. Signed consent was obtained from individuals who met study criteria after baseline cognitive and health status screening. Social cognitive theory, which consists of health promotion through social cognitive means, guided the development of the intervention [9]. The specific learning model that was applied was constructivist learning. Constructivist learning theory aims to promote active learning through creation of knowledge that seeks to make sense out of the material presented.