Optimizing Medication Use at End-of-Life: A Guide to Deprescribing

Increasingly, patients enter hospice with a history of multiple chronic conditions leading to polypharmacy. For those approaching end-of-life, weighing medication risk vs. benefits is critical to optimizing medication use. Patients in hospice care have an increased risk of adverse effects impacting quality of life. Additionally, polypharmacy increases problematic drug interactions, complexity of care, and cost to the hospice. The goal of deprescribing must go beyond simply reducing the number of medications to enhance patient safety and quality of life. This presentation will discuss the benefits and challenges of deprescribing at end-of-life, help prioritize medication classes for deprescribing, and provide a systematic approach to patient, family, and provider communication and shared decision-making.

Presented by: Angela House, RPh, MS, BCPS Manager of Formulary Development Optum Hospice Pharmacy Services angela.house@optum.com