Challenges/barriers of deprescribing during COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of life significantly, including healthcare systems. It is therefore important for us to use medications effectively to minimize hospitalizations and strain on the healthcare system. Deprescribing could present an opportunity for reducing drug-related harm and contact between patient and healthcare professionals, as well as minimizing the unnecessary use of medications at risk of short supply. Although high-quality evidence from randomized studies is required to prove the benefits of deprescribing, available data thus far has demonstrated that deprescribing could optimize the use of medications and prevent risk of contracting COVID-19 infection. This chapter provides an overview of challenges unique to the COVID-19 pandemic, namely, the increased demands on the healthcare system. Furthermore, the chapter explores deprescribing practices during the pandemic as well as strategies to address barriers to deprescribing.