SHARED DECISION MAKING AND PATIENT-CENTERED DEPRESCRIBING

Abstract

Older adult (or caregiver) resistance/refusal is often cited by prescribers as a barrier to deprescribing. Shared decision making is advocated not only because it is ethically appropriate, but also because it can prevent waste of resources and improve health outcomes. This session will present a portfolio of research into how older adults and caregivers feel about deprescribing and discuss strategies on how this knowledge can be translated into practice.Research conducted using the Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (PATD) questionnaire in hospitals, aged care facilities and the community in Australia, Canada and Italy found that between 80 and 90% of older adults and caregivers of older adults are willing to have a medication deprescribed if their doctor said it was possible. Qualitative and quantitative studies have found common barriers and facilitators to deprescribing including patient belief in the appropriateness of the medication, the burden of medication taking and fear/concerns surrounding withdrawal.