Class-specific deprescribing guidelines are a potential solution to address the problem of polypharmacy. This study aimed to understand factors associated with successful deprescribing guideline development, implementation and uptake and whether self-efficacy for deprescribing was affected. Deprescribing guidelines and decision support algorithms were developed using internationally recognized methods. Developmental evaluation was used to identify factors associated with successful deprescribing guideline uptake. Self-efficacy surveys were completed throughout implementation and a drug utilization review was conducted in one LTC site. The guidelines were implemented in three LTC homes. Current medication review processes and interprofessional teams supported the use of deprescribing guidelines in LTC. Challenges included lack of documented indication for medications, support for monitoring, and patient-family education/buy-in. Self-efficacy increased within LTC sites and a reduction in PPI use and costs was noted in one LTC. Optimizing a deprescribing guideline development and implementation process aims to facilitate clinicians’ ability to address polypharmacy.


Farrell, Barbara1, 2, 3; Conklin, James 1, 4; Irving, Hannah 1; Chun, Karen 1; Thompson, Wade 1, 5; Pottie, Kevin 1, 2, 5, 6; Bjerre, L 1, 2, 5; Raman-Wilms, Lalitha 7; McCarthy, Lisa 8,9; Rojas-Fernandez, Carlos 10. 

1 Bruyère Research Institute, Ottawa, Canada; 2 Department of Family Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; 3 School of Pharmacy, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Canada; 4 Department of Applied Human Sciences, Concordia University, Montreal, Canada; 5 Department of Epidemiology and Community Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; 6 Institute of Population Health, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Canada; 7 Leslie Dan Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; 8 Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; 9 Women’s College Research Institute, Toronto, Canada; 10 Department of Family Medicine, McMaster, Hamilton, Canada.