A Proposed Curricular Framework for an Interprofessional Approach to Deprescribing

Area of Science:

• Pharmacy Education
• Geriatric Medicine
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Deprescribing, the reduction or cessation of medications, is crucial for managing polypharmacy and preventing medication-related harm.
• Healthcare professionals face significant barriers in implementing effective deprescribing practices.
• Aging populations often present complex medication regimens requiring specialized management skills.

Purpose of the Study:

• To propose a pre-licensure competency framework for interprofessional deprescribing education.
• To equip future healthcare professionals with essential knowledge, teaching strategies, and assessment methods for deprescribing.
• To integrate patient and care partner involvement into deprescribing education and practice.

Main Methods:

• Development of a competency framework outlining knowledge, teaching strategies, and assessment.
• Inclusion of patient-centered care principles within the framework.
• Provision of an action plan and curriculum mapping exercise for educators.

Main Results:

• A structured framework for interprofessional deprescribing education is presented.
• The framework addresses essential competencies for managing complex medication regimens.
• Guidance is provided for educators to implement and assess deprescribing curricula.

Conclusions:

• Implementing this framework can enhance the deprescribing skills of graduating healthcare professionals.
• Improved deprescribing competencies will contribute to safer medication use and better outcomes for aging patients.
• The framework supports the integration of patient and care partner engagement in deprescribing decisions.