“Polypharmacy” is the use of multiple medications, typically 5 or more a day. Patients on hemodialysis (HD) take an average of 12 different medications per day. Taking a lot of medications can have negative effects on patients, such as side effects, bad interactions between drugs, and patients might forget to take their medications. Sometimes patients have no choice but to take their medications. Other times, certain medications can be stopped, or the dose can be slowly reduced. This is called “deprescribing”.

A research team at University Health Network developed deprescribing tools for healthcare teams in HD units, including deprescribing algorithms and forms for monitoring patient health status. The team also developed patient information tools (infographics and videos) to educate patients and explain benefits and risks of continuing and deprescribing medications.

The purpose of this study is to test the deprescribing tools in 4 HD units in Canada (Toronto, Halifax, Calgary, Victoria). This may lead to a deprescribing program that can easily be implemented in more HD units in Canada to reduce the number of medications a patient is taking and possibly improve their health.

As a patient partner, you will be asked to provide feedback on research materials (e.g., newsletters, infographics) and to attend virtual, 1-hour meetings 2-3 times per year. The estimated time commitment is 1-2 hours every 4-6 months, and you will be compensated for your time. This position is virtual and runs until March 2026.

Visit: www.stopmedhd.ca