Deprescribing Advice at Pri-Med West

It is sometimes important to take a step back from a patient’s medication program and decide whether something is necessary or unnecessary.

And for seniors that might be crucial.

In a presentation during Pri-Med West 2022 in Anaheim, Lee A. Lindquist, MD, MPH, Chief of the Division of Geriatrics at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, spoke about the need to deprescribe when possible, for the senior population.

However, for this to occur correctly there needs to be good communication between the different doctors and specialists.

In an interview with HCPLive®, Lindquist explained her Pri-Med presentation and how a deprescription initiative could work and be beneficial to seniors, particularly as the population is aging.

“So many of our seniors have too many medicines that are not relevant to what they need right now,” Lindquist said.

One of the reasons for the unnecessary medicines is that many people are prescribed medications in their 40s and 50s and continue to take them throughout life, even when they are not entirely necessary.

And the best times to take a look at the treatment schedule and possibly reduce medication is either after a wellness visit or a hospitalization.