Categorization of deprescribing communication tools: A scoping review

Deprescribing can be beneficial to a wide variety of patients but is often not done due to barriers including lack of time and challenges starting conversations.

This study aimed to identify and broadly categorize existing deprescribing communication tools for clinicians and patients.

Our scoping review protocol was based on the Arksey and O'Malley methods and incorporated the Levac and Joanna Briggs Institute recommendations. EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, MEDLINE, and grey literature were searched, with two independent reviewers assessing eligibility. A backwards search of the texts chosen for full text screen was completed. Two reviewers independently completed data extraction using a pre-specified data collection form.

Databases identified 1121 results, searching of grey literature identified 49 results, and backwards searching identified 1323 results. After screening, 32 resources were included which contained 40 unique tools. Most tools were Canadian and targeted adults over 65 years old living in the community. Most tools had not been tested in the intended patient audience or evaluated for effectiveness.

Deprescribing tools have been developed to facilitate conversations by providing structure, education, and decision-making approaches. More research is needed to test the effectiveness of existing tools.