A-TAPER: A Framework for Deprescribing Medications effectively

Area of Science:

• Geriatric Medicine
• Pharmacology
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Inappropriate medication use in older adults leads to preventable safety concerns.
• Deprescribing high-risk or low-benefit medications is vital for reducing morbidity and adverse effects in this demographic.
• Existing deprescribing resources lack a unified framework for practical implementation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a novel, interprofessional framework for guiding healthcare providers in the deprescribing process.
• To establish a structured approach for managing unnecessary medications in older adults.

Main Methods:

• Development of the A-TAPER (Assess, Talk, Alternatives, Plan, Engage, Reduce) framework by an interprofessional team (pharmacists, geriatricians, researchers).
• The framework provides a systematic guide for deprescribing medications.

Main Results:

• The A-TAPER framework offers a singular, actionable approach to deprescribing.
• This framework facilitates the creation of comprehensive, medication-specific deprescribing toolkits.

Conclusions:

• The A-TAPER framework provides a structured, interprofessional approach to deprescribing in older adults.
• Implementation of this framework can enhance medication safety and reduce adverse events in geriatric populations.