Includes index.

"The term 'deprescribing' originates from geriatric medicine where polypharmacy in frail patients can cause more harm than benefit.1 Deprescribing is increasingly recognised to be a key component of good prescribing - reducing doses when they are too high, and stopping medications when they are no longer needed.2 This process cannot occur in a vacuum of theoretical concerns but should take into account the patient's health, current level of functioning and, importantly, their values and preferences.1 Deprescribing seeks to apply best practice in prescribing to the process of stopping a medication. It requires the same skill and experience as for the process of prescribing from prescribers, as well as support from pharmacists and other healthcare staff to get the best results. Importantly, it should place patients at the centre of the process to ensure medicines optimisation"-- Provided by publisher.