Evaluation of pharmacist‐led physician‐supported inpatient deprescribing model in older patients admitted to an acute general medical unit

Objective To evaluate the need for and the feasibility of a pharmacist‐led physician‐supported deprescribing model. Methods All patients aged ≥65 years, with polypharmacy, admitted to the acute general medical unit ( GMU ) of an Australian tertiary hospital over a 6‐week period were prospectively evaluated for deprescribing by team pharmacists. Clinical decision‐making was supported by physicians. Results One hundred and twenty‐nine patients met inclusion criteria, and 58 (45%) were identified for deprescribing. Ninety‐two (7.2%) deprescribing instances were identified of 1277 medications prescribed. Of these, 46 (50%) were successfully deprescribed during inpatient admission in 35 (60%) patients. The most prevalent rationale for deprescribing was “harm outweighing benefits.” Outpatient deprescribing was planned in 16 (17%) of instances, and 39 (42%) would require outpatient follow‐up to ensure adherence to recommendations and safety. No predictors for deprescribing were identified on univariate analyses. Conclusions A pharmacist‐led physician‐supported deprescribing model is feasible in GMU patients who have polypharmacy.