Restarting Medications After Deprescribing in Adults Discharged From Hospital to Skilled Nursing

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Polypharmacy affects 39% to 65% of community-dwelling older adults in the US, with 45% of hospitalized patients experiencing it.
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Deprescribing interventions can reduce medication burden and potentially inappropriate medications without increasing adverse drug events.
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The Shed-MEDS trial showed a 14% reduction in total medications at SNF discharge, with a 15% reduction maintained 90 days post-discharge.
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Frequent medication restarts after deprescribing may indicate inadequate patient education, poor care coordination, or unresolved symptoms.
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The study aims to quantify medication restart frequency, identify associated factors, and examine their impact on emergency visits and readmissions.

Jama Network Open

by Thomas J. Reese, Sandra F. Simmons, Eduard E. Vasilevskis, Emily K. Hollingsworth, Matthew S. Shotwell, Amanda S. Mixon
June 8, 2026

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