Deprescribing

Deprescribing (pronounced: dee-pres-krib-ing) is a medical term referring to the process of reducing or discontinuing the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) under the supervision of a healthcare professional. The term is derived from the prefix "de-" meaning "removal" or "reversal" and "prescribing," which refers to the act of recommending or ordering the use of a particular medication.

Overview

Deprescribing is a strategy used to manage polypharmacy and improve health outcomes. It involves the systematic review and discontinuation of medications that may no longer be beneficial or may be causing harm. The goal of deprescribing is to reduce medication burden and harm, while maintaining or improving quality of life.

Process

The deprescribing process typically involves a comprehensive review of all medications a patient is taking, with a focus on identifying PIMs. These may include medications that are no longer needed, those that pose a risk of adverse effects, or those that could interact negatively with other medications. Once PIMs have been identified, a plan is developed to discontinue or reduce the use of these medications.

Benefits

Deprescribing can lead to a number of benefits, including reduced risk of adverse drug events, improved medication adherence, and improved patient quality of life. It can also lead to cost savings for both patients and healthcare systems.

Challenges

Despite its potential benefits, deprescribing can be challenging. It requires careful consideration of the potential risks and benefits, as well as close monitoring of the patient's response. In addition, it may be difficult to determine which medications are inappropriate without a comprehensive understanding of the patient's medical history and current health status.

Related Terms

• Polypharmacy
• Adverse drug event
• Medication adherence

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Deprescribing
• Wikipedia's article - Deprescribing

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