Abstract

While the concurrent use of multiple prescriptions (polypharmacy) is common for those with chronic conditions, professional ownership is lacking when it comes to tapering or discontinuing potentially inappropriate medications. Our growing elderly population is especially vulnerable to negative risks associated with polypharmacy. Pharmacists are highly educated and skilled healthcare professionals working as critical touchpoints with patients; yet they are not empowered to deprescribe potentially inappropriate medications directly. This qualitative research study examined the perceived barriers and facilitators pharmacists encounter when pursuing deprescribing recommendations and initiatives with prescribers, healthcare staff, patients, and caregivers. Findings from this study revealed three key implications for business practice to provide empowerment and recognition for U.S. pharmacists to effectively recommend deprescribing recommendations. First, work and organizational structures should enable pharmacists to build meaningful relationships among stakeholders across the healthcare ecosystem. Second, transparency of patient information must be systematically accessible across providers. Finally, roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined across healthcare stakeholders with education available through multimedia channels. These key implications will help elevate the status of pharmacists creating greater opportunities to advance patient healthcare, increase patient satisfaction, and manage healthcare costs, which are also the goals of the Triple Aim Framework of healthcare.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Polypharmacy—United States; Drugs—Prescribing—United States; Drugs—Dosage—Reduction

Date of Award

2024

School Affiliation

Graziadio Business School

Department/Program

Business

Degree Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Doctorate

Faculty Advisor

Dana Sumpter

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