Bibliometric analysis of deprescribing in older adults based on web of science

Background: With the deepening of societal aging, the older adults with comorbidities continues to grow, leading to a rise in the phenomenon of polypharmacy. As a key strategy to address polypharmacy, deprescribing has garnered increasing attention. This study aims to systematically review the current research status and development trends in the field of deprescribing for older adults. Methods: English literature related to deprescribing in older adults, published from the establishment of the Web of Science Core Collection database up to June 8, 2025, was retrieved. CiteSpace and VOSviewer software were employed for visual analysis of indicators such as the number of publications, authors, institutions, and keywords. Results: A total of 703 papers on deprescribing in older adults were included in this study. The annual volume of publications in this field showed an overall upward trend. Australia and the United States dominated the field, with Emily Reeve from Australia being the author with the highest number of publications. The research hotspots in this field included the implementation environment of deprescribing, intervention measures, drug-related issues, and patient-centered treatment plans. Conclusion: Through systematic sorting and in-depth bibliometric analysis of relevant domestic and international literature, this study outlines the current research landscape and trends in the field, with the aim of providing theoretical references and practical guidance for academic research and clinical practice in the field of prescription simplification for older adults.