Healthcare professionals' barriers and enablers concerning deprescribing in type 2 diabetes patients with...

Deprescribing is important because inappropriate polypharmacy increases the risk of adverse drug events, treatment burden, reduced adherence and healthcare costs, while potentially compromising patient safety and quality of life. This study aimed to investigate the perceived barriers and enablers experienced by healthcare professionals (HCPs) in Indonesia regarding deprescribing in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and polypharmacy.

A qualitative study using focus group discussions (FGDs) and thematic analysis.

Four FGDs were conducted with general practitioners, specialists (internists) and pharmacists from healthcare facilities in West Java Province, Indonesia. Each group included 3-4 participants from the same discipline, with one mixed group that included one participant of each profession. In total, 13 participants were included in the study.

HCPs across disciplines recognised the goals of deprescribing as optimising treatment, reducing polypharmacy risks and preserving treatment outcomes. However, implementation was hindered by the lack of clear guidelines, hierarchical dynamics, limited training and resource constraints, particularly in rural and high-volume settings. Enablers included clinical competence, effective communication, access to comprehensive clinical data and interprofessional collaboration. Patient education level, family support and community engagement were also key, underscoring the need for system-level support and shared decision-making to achieve effective deprescribing.

Deprescribing in T2D with polypharmacy is shaped by clinical competence, interprofessional collaboration, patient engagement and system-level resources. Improving practice in Indonesia requires clear guidelines, targeted HCP training, stronger interprofessional communication, better access to patient data and active involvement of patients and families. These strategies could provide context-specific insights to guide practice and policy on deprescribing initiatives.

766/UN6.KEP/EC/2024.