PERCEPTIONS AND EXPERIENCES OF STAKEHOLDERS REGARDING PHARMACISTS' ROLES IN AMBULATORY CARE DEPRESCRIBING

Abstract

The increasing prevalence of polypharmacy and its associated risks, especially among older adults, has prompted growing interest in deprescribing initiatives within ambulatory care settings. Pharmacists, with their specialized medication knowledge, are uniquely positioned to contribute to these initiatives. This study examines the perceptions and experiences of various stakeholders regarding pharmacists' roles in ambulatory care deprescribing. Through a comprehensive analysis of existing literature, this review synthesizes the perspectives of physicians, nurses, patients, caregivers, and pharmacists themselves. The findings reveal a complex landscape of facilitators and barriers influencing pharmacist-led deprescribing, including interprofessional relationships, organizational factors, patient-centered considerations, and pharmacist-specific enablers and limitations. Stakeholder perceptions highlight the value of pharmacists' medication expertise, their patient-centered approaches, and their potential to serve as catalysts for deprescribing in collaborative healthcare environments. However, challenges persist related to role clarity, professional hierarchies, resource constraints, and varying levels of patient receptivity. The review concludes with recommendations for enhancing pharmacists' contributions to deprescribing in ambulatory care settings through educational initiatives, system-level changes, interprofessional collaboration frameworks, and patient engagement strategies. These insights provide a foundation for optimizing pharmacist involvement in deprescribing practices, ultimately contributing to improved medication management and patient outcomes in ambulatory care.