The Role of Patient Preferences in Deprescribing

Polypharmacy and the use of inappropriate medications has become an increasing problem globally. Deprescribing has gained attention as a means to rationalize medication use. Deprescribing interventions have been shown to be generally feasible and safe; in the few studies in which patient preferences are assessed, such interventions also seem to be acceptable to patients. Qualitative studies suggest that patients are interested in reducing medications, may need education about their medications to facilitate deprescribing, and highly value communication with their providers around deprescribing. This article focuses on patient preferences for deprescribing and highlights practical recommendations to overcome barriers to deprescribing.