Deprescribing in Frailty: Less is Sometimes More
🎯 Learning Objectives
- Recognise risks of inappropriate polypharmacy in frailty.
- Apply structured medication review methods.
- Communicate deprescribing safely and effectively.
🧠 Key Concepts
Deprescribing is an evidence-based, patient-centred process to reduce medication burden while maintaining outcomes.
🩺 In Practice
- Review: Indication, duplication, and benefit–risk ratio.
- Stop or step-down where appropriate.
- Document & communicate changes clearly with patient and GP.
- Collaborate with pharmacists and multidisciplinary teams.
🧩 Clinical Reflection
💬 "Would I start this medicine today if the patient were not already taking it?"
A simple but powerful deprescribing question.
🔬 Resources
- STOPP/START Criteria (Version 3)
- NICE NG5 – Medicines Optimisation
- Polypharmacy Guidance (Scottish NHS)
- Older Adults Pharmacy Resources (BGS)
- RPS Polypharmacy Hub
📩 Downloadable PDF checklists:
Deprescribing_in_Frailty_Quick_Reference_Guide_Checklist.pdf305.3 KiB
Deprescribing_in_Frailty_Educational_Checklist.pdf - For Students192.6 KiB
Deprescribing_in_Frailty_Clinical_Checklist-For Professionals.pdf195.9 KiB