Deprescribing Guidelines and Algorithms

The evidence-based guidelines and algorithms developed by the deprescribing.bcdn.ca team and its collaborators are products of quality research and real-world application.

Watch our video to learn how we developed each of the evidence-based deprescribing guidelines.

This video helps viewers understand:

  • The rationale for evidence-based deprescribing guidelines
  • The process used for developing the deprescribing guidelines
  • The steps that a healthcare professional and patient need to go through to make and carry out safe deprescribing processes

 

 

Guidelines and Algorithms

Guidelines and Algorithms Evidence-based deprescribing guidelines have been developed by or in collaboration with the deprescribing.bcdn.ca team for five classes of medications. Each guideline is accompanied by a decision-support algorithm, patient pamphlet, infographic and for some, a whiteboard video on how to use the algorithm.

Interested in using algorithms at the bedside? Check out our app! Download for Android. Download for iOS.

 

Proton Pump Inhibitor (PPI)

Proton pump inhibitors – or PPIs – are a class of drugs used to treat heartburn, gastroesophageal reflux disease and gastric ulcers. PPIs reduce the production of acid by blocking the enzyme in the wall of the stomach that produces acid

Antihyperglycemic

Antihyperglycemics are a class of drugs used to treat diabetes. They work in a variety of ways to lower blood sugar.

Antipsychotic

Antipsychotics are a class of drugs sometimes used for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia and insomnia. They are primarily used to treat psychiatric disorders such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, among other disorders. Antipsychotics affect a variety of neurotransmitters in the brain. This results in a calming, relaxing effect, but can also produce sedation and affect balance.

Benzodiazepine Receptor Agonist (BZRA)

Benzodiazepine receptor agonists are a class of drugs also called hypnotics or sedatives that are commonly prescribed for insomnia, among other conditions. They appear to work by suppressing the activity of nerves. This results in a calming, relaxing effect but can also produce sedation and affect memory.

Cholinesterase Inhibitors (ChEIs) and Memantine

Cholinesterase inhibitors and memantine are drugs used to treat the symptoms of dementia.

Please use the above algorithms freely, with credit to the authors. The algorithms are not for commercial use and are licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License; do not modify or translate without permission. Contact deprescribing@deprescribing.org for more information.

Developing an Evidence-based Deprescribing Guideline: Instruction Manual for Guideline Coordinators

The purpose of this manual is to provide step-by-step instructions for developing a medication class specific evidence-based deprescribing guideline. This manual is for individuals coordinating the development of such guidelines, as well as those who require an estimate of the workload, activities and time involved in such development to establish accurate timelines and budgets. Download the PDF manual here.

Translation and adaptations

Interested in translating the algorithms into other languages? Please read our translations policy here.

Want to adapt the algorithms to meet the standards and guidelines of your healthcare setting? Please read our modification policy here.

To inquire about commercial licensing (i.e. using the deprescribing.bcdn.ca team’s materials in textbooks, booklets, packages, etc., that are intended to be sold for profit), please email deprescribing@deprescribing.org