Older adults often take multiple medications, some of which may interact with each other to cause adverse effects. Physicians address this problem through “deprescribing,” which involves systematic discontinuation of medications where the risks outweigh the benefits.
Supervised by Marcia Mecca, MD, associate professor of medicine (geriatrics), a group of Yale researchers recently published a commentary in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society on the impact of trust in the deprescribing process for older adults on multiple medications. To illustrate their points, the team explored the dynamics of trust between clinicians and patients through a hypothetical case of a 76-year-old patient with various health issues.
The article evaluates multiple challenges to deprescribing, such as reconciling conflicting specialist advice, addressing the patient's concerns and misconceptions about medications, and considering financial constraints. The team highlights the importance of sensitive communication and individualized care as essential strategies. By prioritizing patient trust and personalizing treatment plans, they assert clinicians can more effectively manage polypharmacy in older adults, leading to better health outcomes and enhanced patient well-being.
To learn more, read the article, “Polypharmacy, deprescribing, and trust in the clinician-patient relationship” in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Thomas C, Cohen AB, Mecca MC. Polypharmacy, deprescribing, and trust in the clinician-patient relationship. J Am Geriatr Soc. 2024 Jan 17. doi: 10.1111/jgs.18756. Epub ahead of print. PMID: 38232315.