Keywords: Deprescriptions, Patient Safety, Polypharmacy, One Health, Environmental Health

Introduction:

Deprescribing (D) is a critical patient safety intervention, particularly for elderly
patients where polypharmacy (>10 drugs) significantly increases the risk of adverse
events. Beyond individual safety, D aligns with One Health and Planetary Health
principles. Reducing unnecessary medication use directly mitigates pharmaceutical
pollution in water systems and lowers the carbon footprint associated with global
drug manufacturing and distribution. This joint workshop—led by experts from
EQUIP, EGPRN, WONCA WP on Quality and Safety, on Research and on Planetary
Health and WONCA SIG on non-communicable diseases—applies validated
frameworks (e.g., Beers/STOPP-START criteria) to shift the clinical paradigm toward
optimizing therapy for both patient and planet.

Aim(s):

Identify and manage "therapeutic cascades" to improve clinical safety and
environmental sustainability.
Evaluate evidence to safely stop harmful medications, reducing the pharmaceutical
load on the environment.
Master communication strategies to empower patients in shared decision-making
regarding "Green Deprescribing."
Develop a transferable plan for immediate implementation in participants' home
practices.

Programme:

We employ an active-engagement pedagogy. Following an evidence-based briefing
on clinical and planetary benefits, participants engage in facilitator-led small-group
work:
00-10m: Introduction: Clinical safety and Planetary Health context.
10-15m: High-fidelity clinical case presentation.
15-40m: Interactive breakout groups: Solving dilemmas using D-resources.
40-50m: Plenary sharing: Synthesizing group proposals.
50-60m: Take-home messages and resource distribution.
Expected outcomes
Participants will gain actionable insights and a Deprescribing Toolkit. Outcomes are
highly transferable: attendees will leave with the skills to lead medication reviews
that improve patient quality of life while contributing to healthcare sustainability.
Conclusion
The GP’s role in deprescribing is paramount. This workshop provides the tools to
bridge the gap between theoretical safety and daily practice, ensuring a wiser, safer,
and more sustainable future for primary care.