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