Deprescribing in school curriculums: An overview of current education standards and what should be changed

In the healthcare system, medications are used to treat or cure conditions affecting patients. The process of prescribing first involves the diagnosis of a patient by a healthcare provider (HCP), followed by the ordering of medications as needed. Medications that are prescribed can provide clinical benefits that can improve patient health and quality of life. There are instances, however, when prescribed medications are inappropriate or provide little-to-no benefit to the patient. It is important for HCPs to be able to identify drug therapy problems (DTPs) in order to reduce doses or stop medications that may be causing harm or not providing benefit. This process is known as deprescribing, and it involves weighing the risk and benefits of medications to arrive at a clinical decision. It is important to involve the patient in their own care and to consider each patient’s goals of therapy, values, and preferences.