Deprescribing
To minimize polypharmacy, deprescribing is a decision-making process that is intended to taper or stop medications.
It is the systematic way of identifying and discontinuing drugs because the actual or potential harm outweighs the benefits given a patient’s goals, preferences, life expectancy, and other factors.
Pharmacists can assist in this process by regularly reviewing medications and the appropriateness of each one, and recommending discontinuation, changes, or reductions in medication use as they review and evaluate a resident’s medical record. In addition, pharmacists can collaborate with prescribers and
discuss the overall medication profile as well as the current indication for each medication and whether it is still beneficial.
In addition, communities can offer to partner with prescribers who recommend drug discontinuation by monitoring the taper and any adverse drug withdrawal events. It is also important to teach residents and their caregivers about potential side effects, including when to call prescriber or seek help.