Deprescribing – The Key to Minimising Polypharmacy

Residents of aged care facilities often have multiple medical conditions managed by multiple

medications.

However the more medications prescribed, the greater the risk of adverse outcomes.

Polypharmacy is associated with an increased risk of fall, hospitalization and premature mortality.

Deprescribing is the process of withdrawing an inappropriate medication, supervised by a health professional with the goal of managing polypharmacy and improving outcomes.

From 1 July 2021, facilities are required to report polypharmacy data for residents prescribed nine or more medications every quarter under the National Aged Care Quality Indicator Program.

It is therefore important that residents are prescribed only medications that remain appropriate in their care and that inappropriate polypharmacy with the associated risk of worsened outcomes, is avoided.

Staff will understand how to support prescribers with deprescribing discussions and reassure residents that deprescribing is a safe, evidence-based practice.

The benefits of referring residents at potential risk from polypharmacy for RMMR (Residential Medication Management Review) by the Meditrax Pharmacist is discussed as an integral part of the deprescribing process.

The importance of withdrawing only one medicine at a time and reducing doses gradually is emphasised, with close monitoring by staff for return of symptoms or potential withdrawal effects.

The role of deprescribing guidelines and tools is also discussed with useful resources suggested.