A systematic review of the emerging definition of ‘deprescribing’ with network analysis: implications for future research and clinical practice.

Abstract

These findings show that there is lack of consensus on the definition of deprescribing. This article proposes the following definition: 'Deprescribing is the process of withdrawal of an inappropriate medication, supervised by a health care professional with the goal of managing polypharmacy and improving outcomes'. This definition has not yet been externally validated and further work is required to develop an internationally accepted and appropriate definition.