Student Pharmacist Led Fish Oil Deprescribing Initiative at a Veterans Affairs Hospital and Rural Clinics

Area of Science:

• Geriatrics
• Pharmacology
• Quality Improvement

Background:

• Polypharmacy affects one-third of older adults, leading to adverse health effects.
• Omega-3 fatty acid (fish oil) prescriptions contribute to polypharmacy due to unclear clinical benefits.
• Pharmacists are key in identifying and reducing polypharmacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• Assess the need for a standardized fish oil deprescribing process.
• Analyze the role of student pharmacists in medication deprescribing.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of a fish oil deprescribing service.

Main Methods:

• Three third-year pharmacy students evaluated four primary care patient panels prescribed fish oil.
• Chart reviews and patient outreach were conducted for deprescribing fish oil.
• Offered statin or lipid therapy modifications when appropriate.

Main Results:

• 106 patients with fish oil prescriptions were identified; 68 were included in the evaluation.
• 76.2% of patients accepted at least one therapy modification suggested by the student pharmacist.
• Demonstrated successful medication deprescribing and optimization.

Conclusions:

• Student pharmacist integration in primary care effectively supports medication deprescribing.
• This initiative shows a positive impact on reducing polypharmacy in older adults.
• Further exploration of student pharmacist roles in ambulatory care is warranted.