Optimizing Patient Safety: Deprescribing and Polypharmacy in an Aging Population

As the global healthcare landscape continues to evolve, healthcare professionals face an increasingly complex challenge: reducing polypharmacy-related drug-related problems (DRPs) in an aging population. This issue is particularly prevalent, with multiple factors contributing to its widespread occurrence. The use of multiple medications at the same time, also known as polypharmacy, is common among various patient populations, including those lacking primary physicians, patients with mental health conditions, patients with multiple chronic conditions, and the aging population as a whole.

A critical step in addressing this issue is the development and implementation of effective deprescribing strategies. Involving a multidisciplinary team in deprescribing efforts is crucial, as it allows for the identification of barriers and enablers that can make or break the success of deprescribing programs. By understanding these factors, healthcare professionals can develop targeted strategies to address barriers and optimize enablers, ultimately improving patient safety and outcomes.

Published by Elsevier Science on August 22, 2023, “Deprescribing and Polypharmacy in an Aging Population” provides healthcare professionals with a comprehensive guide to reducing polypharmacy-related DRPs. This valuable resource supports healthcare institutions globally, offering insights into:

• The importance of involving a multidisciplinary team in deprescribing efforts
• Identifying barriers and enablers for the implementation of deprescribing programs
• Developing strategies to address barriers and optimize enablers for deprescribing implementation

This essential guide is available in English and features ISBN numbers 9780323991384 and 9780323993814. By leveraging the expertise and knowledge shared in this book, healthcare professionals can work together to create a safer, more effective healthcare system for patients around the world.