Barbara D'Avanzo1, Pasquale Agosti2, Emily Reeve3, Luca Pasina4, Carlo Sabbà5, Pier Mannuccio Mannucci6, Alessandro Nobili4. 1. Laboratory of Quality Assessment of Geriatric Therapies and Services, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy. Electronic address: barbara.davanzo@marionegri.it. 2. Department of Pathophysiology and Transplantation, Università degli Studi di Milano, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Angelo Bianchi Bonomi Hemophilia and Thrombosis Center, and Fondazione Luigi Villa, Milan, 20122 Italy. 3. College of Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, SK, S7N 5E5, Canada; NHMRC Cognitive Decline Partnership Centre, Kolling Institute of Medical Research, Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, NSW, 5000, Australia; Geriatric Medicine Research, Faculty of Medicine and College of Pharmacy, Dalhousie University and Nova Scotia Health Authority, NS, B3H 2E1, Canada. 4. Laboratory of Quality Assessment of Geriatric Therapies and Services, Istituto di Ricerche Farmacologiche Mario Negri, Via Giuseppe La Masa 19, 20156 Milan, Italy. 5. Interdisciplinary Department of Medicine, University of Bari, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70124 Bari, Italy. 6. Scientific Direction, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Via Francesco Sforza 28, 20122 Milan, Italy.
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Even though increasing attention is given to deprescribing owing to the risks related to polypharmacy in older adults, deprescribing is not yet part of clinical culture. METHODS: We conducted three focus groups with 25 internists, geriatricians and general practitioners to explore the factors influencing the implementation of deprescribing in the Italian context, and more specifically: i. to investigate the barriers to deprescribing; ii. to define strategies and actions to address these barriers; and iii. to identify skills and tools that may assist in implementing deprescribing in clinical practice. Thematic analysis was used. RESULTS: Six themes were identified: Good reasons for deprescribing, Difficulties and doubts about deprescribing, System factors affecting polypharmacy and deprescribing, Perspectives on how to practically approach polypharmacy, Need for effective communication with patients and caregivers, Taking responsibility and starting action. Participants reported a willingness to challenge themselves by addressing the barriers to deprescribing through regular review of prescriptions and collaboration with colleagues and patients. CONCLUSIONS: Italian internists, geriatricians and general practitioners reported many system-level barriers to deprescribing as well as some doubts about its necessity. Strategies to address the barriers to deprescribing include regular medication review and enhancing collaboration with colleagues and patients. Additionally, participants were willing to challenge themselves and use uncertainty as an impetus for deprescribing.
BACKGROUND: Even though increasing attention is given to deprescribing owing to the risks related to polypharmacy in older adults, deprescribing is not yet part of clinical culture. METHODS: We conducted three focus groups with 25 internists, geriatricians and general practitioners to explore the factors influencing the implementation of deprescribing in the Italian context, and more specifically: i. to investigate the barriers to deprescribing; ii. to define strategies and actions to address these barriers; and iii. to identify skills and tools that may assist in implementing deprescribing in clinical practice. Thematic analysis was used. RESULTS: Six themes were identified: Good reasons for deprescribing, Difficulties and doubts about deprescribing, System factors affecting polypharmacy and deprescribing, Perspectives on how to practically approach polypharmacy, Need for effective communication with patients and caregivers, Taking responsibility and starting action. Participants reported a willingness to challenge themselves by addressing the barriers to deprescribing through regular review of prescriptions and collaboration with colleagues and patients. CONCLUSIONS: Italian internists, geriatricians and general practitioners reported many system-level barriers to deprescribing as well as some doubts about its necessity. Strategies to address the barriers to deprescribing include regular medication review and enhancing collaboration with colleagues and patients. Additionally, participants were willing to challenge themselves and use uncertainty as an impetus for deprescribing.
Authors: Aimee N Pickering; Eric L Walter; Alicia Dawdani; Alison Decker; Megan E Hamm; Walid F Gellad; Thomas R Radomski Journal: BMC Geriatr Date: 2022-02-24 Impact factor: 3.921