Less Is More: An Interprofessional Educational Activity on Safe and Effective Deprescribing

Background: Polypharmacy is a growing health care concern that is ameliorated through deprescribing, the process of safely removing inappropriate medications. Despite the proven benefits of deprescribing, formal deprescribing education in the health professions in the United States, including interprofessional deprescribing activities, is limited. Method: A deprescribing interprofessional educational (IPE) simulation activity was conducted with 52 third- and fourth-year health professions students to improve their understanding of deprescribing and communication among the interprofessional health care team. The virtual simulation featured prebriefing, an unfolding case study, and debriefing. Results: In total, 21 MD students, 20 PharmD (Doctor of Pharmacy) students, and 11 DNP (Doctor of Nursing Practice) and FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner) students participated in the IPE simulation activity. A retrospective pre/post survey was administered, with 49 students (94%) responding. Conclusion: Participants provided positive feedback about the simulation, indicating that they rated the activity highly, valued the unfolding case study used, and were able to consolidate their learning on deprescribing. IPE activities are a promising avenue for deprescribing education.