Communicating deprescribing decisions made in hospital with general practitioners in the community: a qualitative study

Background and objectives Deprescribing, the supervised withdrawal of inappropriate medications, intends to manage polypharmacy, which is prevalent in older patients. This study aimed to examine general practitioner (GP) perceptions of communication processes between clinicians in hospital and GPs in the community about deprescribing decisions made in hospital. Method Focus groups and interviews were held with 15 GPs, exploring deprescribing in hospitals, communication of deprescribing information, and the format of communications. Sessions were audio-taped, transcribed and analysed using an inductive approach. Results GPs stated that they should be involved in deprescribing decisions, especially for older complex patients, because of their good knowledge of their patients. Barriers to effective communication included the acute nature of hospital stays and lack of time. Facilitators included long-term relationships of GPs with their patients and engaged patients. GPs preferred communication of deprescribing decisions to be over the telephone while the patient was still in hospital, and with a concise, electronic discharge summary at the time of discharge. GPs indicated that rationale for medication changes and recommended follow-up actions were crucial in a discharge summary to enable care post-discharge. Conclusions GPs welcome increased communication with hospital clinicians regarding deprescribing decisions made while patients are in hospital. Communication needs to be timely, transparent, succinct and accessible. Lack of time and difficulties contacting hospital clinicians challenge this process. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.