Pharmacy Graduates’ Views on Deprescribing and Polypharmacy

Pharmacy education plays a crucial role in shaping how future healthcare professionals manage and mitigate the risks associated with polypharmacy—the concurrent use of multiple medications—especially in a world where chronic conditions are on the rise. In a groundbreaking study carried out by Alemu and colleagues, the perspectives of graduating pharmacy students from both public and private institutions in Northwest Ethiopia have been meticulously examined. This study highlights the pivotal role of education in addressing knowledge gaps and assessing the barriers that students face in their journey to effectively engage with deprescribing practices.

The research employs a cross-sectional survey methodology, yielding a rich dataset that provides insights into students’ attitudes and perceptions toward deprescribing and polypharmacy. The nuances explored in this study are vital for understanding how well-equipped these future pharmacists are to tackle the complex issues surrounding medication management. As the implications of polypharmacy affect a wide array of patients, the importance of preparing pharmacy students to advocate for safe prescribing practices cannot be overstated.

One of the salient findings of this study is the evident disparity in knowledge levels among pharmacy students from different educational backgrounds. The research reveals that students from private institutions demonstrate a stronger foundation in understanding polypharmacy’s implications and the necessary strategies for deprescribing compared to their counterparts in public institutions. This difference raises questions about the curriculum designs and teaching methodologies employed by these institutions, warranting a deeper exploration into how pharmacy education can be standardized to ensure all students receive equal training on critical pharmacotherapeutic concepts.

Moreover, the attitudes of the graduating pharmacy students toward deprescribing serve as another focal point of the research. A significant proportion expressed a willingness to engage in deprescribing discussions with healthcare teams, indicating a favorable disposition towards optimizing medication regimens. However, despite this willingness, apprehensions about addressing such topics with patients were also prevalent. This paradox signifies a need for enhanced communication training in pharmacy programs, equipping students with practical skills necessary for these crucial conversations.

The study explores several barriers that hinder effective engagement in deprescribing practices among pharmacy students. Notably, students reported a lack of confidence in their abilities to assess medication regimens critically. Many indicated that their prior training had not sufficiently prepared them to manage complex cases where deprescribing could be beneficial. This points to an urgent requirement for programs to incorporate more robust clinical training and case studies into the curriculum, allowing future pharmacists to gain hands-on experience.

Furthermore, the perception of polypharmacy among students deserves attention. The research indicates that many graduating pharmacists tend to view polypharmacy as a necessary approach to managing chronic diseases, often overlooking the potential risks that accompany multiple medications. This reflects a broader trend where the focus tends to be on prescribing therapies to manage conditions rather than on evaluating the appropriateness of continued medication use. Encouraging a cultural shift within pharmacy education to question to what extent polypharmacy is beneficial could fundamentally change how students view their role in patient care.

The cross-sectional nature of the survey allows for a snapshot of this educational phenomenon, yet it also highlights the need for longitudinal studies. By following students beyond graduation, researchers could assess how their knowledge and attitudes evolve once they enter the workforce. This longitudinal approach could yield insights into the effectiveness of educational programs over time and how they prepare students for the realities of clinical practice.

In addition, this study underscores the potential for collaboration between pharmacy schools and healthcare institutions. By fostering a partnership where students can engage in practical internships and rotations that emphasize deprescribing practices, schools can create a feedback loop that enhances education while simultaneously improving patient care outcomes. It is through these collaborations that the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application might be bridged, ultimately resulting in better-trained pharmacists.

The implications of this research stretch beyond individual educational institutions; they hold the potential to influence pharmacy education policy at a national level. Policymakers and educational leaders must take note of these findings to advocate for curricula that address the critical competencies required for modern pharmacy practice. Ensuring that all graduating students are equipped with both knowledge and skills pertaining to polypharmacy and deprescribing will contribute to a healthcare environment that prioritizes patient safety and efficacy.

In light of the ongoing global health challenges, the attention directed towards pharmacy education cannot be overstated. With polypharmacy becoming a vexing issue for many healthcare systems, the findings of Alemu et al. serve as a clarion call to action. By adopting an interdisciplinary approach and fostering an educational culture that values critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication, we can nurture pharmacy graduates capable of responding to the multifaceted challenges they will face in practice.

In conclusion, the study conducted by Alemu and his team marks a significant step forward in understanding how pharmacy education shapes future healthcare providers’ ability to manage polypharmacy and engage in deprescribing. The barriers identified and the knowledge gaps revealed need to be addressed with urgency, ensuring that pharmacy students are fully prepared to tackle the complexities of medication management. As we look ahead, it is crucial for educational institutions and policymakers to work collaboratively to enhance pharmacy curricula, promoting a future where safe and effective medication use is at the forefront of patient care.

The current landscape of healthcare requires adept professionals who can navigate the intricacies of polypharmacy and deprescribing. The commitment to educating pharmacy students on these matters will not only enhance their professional efficacy but also ultimately improve patient outcomes in diverse healthcare settings across the globe. The strides made in this research pave the way for ongoing discussions and developments in pharmacy education, a necessary evolution surrounding the role of pharmacists in modern healthcare.

Alemu, M.A., Ferede, Y.A., Assefa, A.N. et al. Knowledge, barriers, attitude, perception, and ability of public and private institution graduating pharmacy students toward deprescribing and polypharmacy: a cross-sectional survey study in Northwest Ethiopia.
BMC Med Educ 25, 1504 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12909-025-08106-6