05 Aug McGill University Develops Software to Help Providers Deprescribe Unnecessary Medications in Older Adults

MedicalResearch.com Interview with:

Dr. McDonald

Emily G. McDonald MD MSc (Epi) FRCPC
Scientist | Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre
Associate Professor of Medicine | General Internal Medicine | McGill University Health Centre
Associate Chair of Quality and Safety | Department of Medicine | McGill University
Director | Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network
Centre for Outcomes Research and Evaluation (CORE)
Montreal, QC
https://www.medsafer.org/

https://www.deprescribingnetwork.ca/

MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study? What are the main findings?

Response: Polypharmacy (taking multiple medications) is common among older adults and can lead to serious side effects like memory problems, falls, fractures, and hospitalization. Deprescribing (the process of stopping some medications that may no longer be beneficial or where the harms outweigh the benefits) is a great solution. This study found that an electronic tool to support prescribers increased deprescribing more than 3 times compared to usual care without the software support.

Response: What medications are most frequently discontinued?  

Response: Medications such as sleeping pills, acid blockers, combinations of blood thinners, opioids, and antipsychotics for behavioural symptoms of dementia were commonly deprescribed.

MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?

Response: Taking multiple medications is common; deprescribing can make your medications safer for you. It’s a great idea to ask your healthcare provider about deprescribing for you or your loved one to see if you can benefit. 

MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?

Response: Evaluating the use of software in the community by family doctors would be a great next step!

MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?

Response: Resources for deprescribing can be found here: https://www.deprescribingnetwork.ca/

A version of MedSafer is available for free for Canadians at public.medsafer.org

Disclosures: Dr. McDonald is the CEO of MedSafer Corp which licenses the software for use in electronic medical records.

Citation: McDonald EG, Estey JL, Davenport C, et al. Electronic Decision Support for Deprescribing in Older Adults Living in Long-Term Care: A Stepped-Wedge Cluster Randomized Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(5):e2512931. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2025.12931

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Last Updated on August 5, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD