Supporting conversations about medicines and deprescribing: GPs' perspectives on a Medicines Conversation Guide
- Int J Pharm Pract. 2023 Mar 13;31(1):102-105. doi: 10.1093/ijpp/riac088.
- 1. Sydney School of Public Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- 2. Institute of Primary Health Care (BIHAM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland.
- 3. Centre for Education and Research on Ageing (CERA), Department of Geriatric Medicine, Concord Repatriation General Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- 4. Concord Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- 5. Primary and Integrated Care Unit, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Liverpool, New South Wales, Australia.
- 6. School of Population Health, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- 7. School of Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane City, Queensland, Australia.
- 8. Faculty of Medicine and Health, Sydney Pharmacy School, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- 9. Faculty of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences, School for Public Health and Primary Care, Maastricht University, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Objectives: To explore GP perspectives on a Medicines Conversation Guide to support deprescribing communication.
Methods: Semistructured interviews with GPs from Australia (n = 32). Participants were purposively sampled with varying experiences and locations. Transcribed audio recordings of interviews were coded using framework analysis.
Key findings: Most GPs stated they would use the Guide in consultation with an older patient to discuss medications. The strengths of the Guide included empowering the patient voice on an important topic. Limitations included time and complex concepts.
Conclusions: Overall, the Medicines Conversation Guide was perceived by GPs to be a useful communication tool to support discussions about deprescribing with patients.