To address challenges in deprescribing, we investigated the feasibility of an intervention consisting of a clinical medication review (CMR) focused on deprescribing, supported by a training programme for healthcare providers (HCPs) among older patients with hyperpolypharmacy (≥ 10 chronic medications) in primary care. A mixed-methods feasibility study was conducted in six Dutch community pharmacies using Bowen’s framework. The intervention comprised HCP training and a five-step deprescribing-focused CMR. Within 6 Bowen domains, 18 outcomes were assessed through (patient) questionnaires, interviews (patients, HCPs), process parameters, and medication dispensing data. Five pharmacists conducted CMRs with 24 patients (median age: 84.5 years). The intervention was well accepted by patients and HCPs. However, barriers emerged regarding implementation and practicality. Consultations lacked complete discussion of patient concerns, and pharmacists reported varying levels of confidence in making deprescribing decisions. Time constraints limited the incorporation of deprescribing into CMRs. On average, 1.3 medications per patient were deprescribed. Within a setting of motivated and CMR-experienced HCPs, adding a focus on deprescribing to CMRs for older patients with hyperpolypharmacy was feasible and well received. Feasibility was supported by high acceptability and deprescribing potential, though barriers in implementation and practicality indicate the need for further evaluation in broader primary care settings.

© 2025 The Author(s). Basic & Clinical Pharmacology & Toxicology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Nordic Association for the Publication of BCPT (former Nordic Pharmacological Society).

Overview publication

TitleA Clinical Medication Review Focused on Deprescribing in Older Patients With Hyperpolypharmacy: A Mixed-Methods Feasibility Study.
DateFebruary 1st, 2026
Issue nameBasic & clinical pharmacology & toxicology
Issue numberv138.2:e70184
DOI10.1111/bcpt.70184
PubMed41456177
AuthorsBaas G, Heringa M, Verdoorn S, Kwint HF, Badawy E, Gussekloo J & Bouvy M
Keywordsclinical medication review, deprescribing, feasibility, older patients, polypharmacy
Read Read publication