Deprescribing

Health professionals have become increasingly concerned about the risks of prescribing medicines which are no longer required.

This is because there is evidence associating increased medicines use with increased:

•adverse drug events

•hospital admissions

•health care costs

•non-adherence

Using personalised approaches can support deprescribing.

Patient choice is designed to ensure that patients are aware of their options.

Shared decision making ensures that individuals are supported to make decisions that are right for them.

Supported self-management means increasing the knowledge, skills and confidence a person has in managing and understanding their own health and care.

Deprescribing resources:

Medicines and Falls - National Falls Prevention Coordination Group

Polypharmacy guidance - Further resources to support deprescribing

'Me and My Medicines Campaign' resources:

Me and My Medicines - Health Innovation East Midlands

Derbyshire Medicines Management and Clinical Policies