Box 2.

Barriers to deprescribing1,2,8,9

  • Limited time.1

  • Lack of clarity over whose role it is to deprescribe. 8

  • Concern regarding stopping medications initiated by specialists. 1

  • Uncertainty regarding the ongoing benefits of medications. 1

  • Concern over drug withdrawal effects. 2

  • Uncertainty regarding the timing of deprescribing discussions when goals of care are unclear. 1

  • Concern from healthcare professionals that patients may feel they are ‘giving up hope’. 9

  • Reluctance from patients to change medications. 2