Exploring Public Attitudes Toward Reducing or Stopping Medicines
Introduction
In today’s world, the conversation around medicines is evolving rapidly. With the persistent challenge of rising medicine waste and the desire for more patient-centred healthcare, the concept of deprescribing—the planned reduction or stopping of unnecessary medicines—has emerged as a crucial topic. In May this year, NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde undertook a comprehensive public survey to understand how people feel about their medicines and about deprescribing.
The “Your Views on Reducing or Stopping Medicines (Deprescribing)” report offers rich insights into public attitudes, experiences, and suggestions for improving the way medicines are managed. It unpacks the key findings and recommendations, highlighting what matters most to people and how the future of medicines management might look.
Who Took Part and Why It Matters
The survey was widely distributed in May 2025 via the NHSGGC Involving People Network, email, social media and the NHSGGC website, reaching approximately 66,000 subscribers. A total of 1,072 people completed the survey, with 234 also opting to fill out an Equalities Monitoring Form. While the response was robust, the report notes a lack of diversity: 71% identified as female, 98% as white, and 71% were aged 55 and over. The survey’s digital nature is recognised as a factor in reaching under-represented groups, signaling the need for more inclusive, in-person engagement moving forward.
Medicines: How Many and How Satisfied?
One of the first questions explored how many medicines people currently take. It’s telling that 53% of respondents were taking five or more medicines, and 11% were taking more than ten. This level of polypharmacy underscores the importance of regular medicines reviews and raises questions about appropriateness, necessity, and potential side effects.
Despite the volume, satisfaction levels were high: over 80% agreed or strongly agreed that they were “overall satisfied” with their current medicines. Many felt they understood why their medicines were prescribed and appreciated being involved in decisions about them. Around 15% relied on a family member or carer to help manage their medicines, reflecting the vital role of support networks.
Concerns Beneath the Surface
Beneath the surface of satisfaction, the survey revealed significant concerns. Some 30% of respondents felt they were taking too many medicines, and another 30% believed their medicines were causing side effects. These numbers suggest that, while the majority are content with their medication regimen, a sizeable minority experience doubts or discomfort, possibly accepting medicines that no longer serve them well.1
Interestingly, those taking ten or more medicines were least likely to report concerns. Among those taking five to nine medicines, 25% acknowledged a large number of different medicines, but less than 10% explicitly felt they were taking medicines they did not need. The survey’s results suggest that trust in healthcare professionals plays a pivotal role in acceptance and satisfaction.2
Trust and Willingness to Deprescribe
Trust emerged as the strongest theme throughout the survey. A remarkable 75% said they would be willing to reduce or stop one or more medicines if recommended by a doctor or healthcare professional.
Open responses illuminated what underpins these attitudes. Trust in medical professionals was widely expressed: “I trust my GP and if they said that I needed to change the medication I would accept that they knew best.” Many also emphasised the need for robust communication and shared decision-making, stating: “As long as there was a discussion about the change and I fully understood,” and “I would want to know the reason for this change.”
Barriers to Deprescribing
Despite willingness, the prospect of deprescribing is not without concern. Some participants voiced anxiety, confusion, or reluctance: “I feel confused about medicines and sometimes angry that I have to take them to be healthy.” Others were worried about losing the benefits that stable medication regimens had brought: “My medication together helps me to try and get out and talking with people again. My medication has completely turned my life from bad to good. I can’t imagine not having my medication.”
These responses highlight that deprescribing is not just a clinical process but an emotional one. Concerns about efficacy, stability, and continuity must be addressed through clear communication, gradual change, and ongoing monitoring.
What Would Help? Suggestions from the Public
Asked what would support them to consider reducing or stopping unnecessary medicines, respondents offered practical and actionable ideas. The overwhelming top priority was regular medicines reviews, preferably face-to-face, with thorough communication about side effects, benefits, and risks. Trust in healthcare providers remained central. People wanted to know the reasons for changes, have access to timely appointments, and feel supported during transitions. Monitoring side effects, providing clear explanations, and discussing the impact of changes were all highlighted as vital.
Minimising overprescribing and medicine waste by improving communication within the often complex NHS system was also highlighted, as was the issue of access —getting appointments, having time to discuss medicines, and ensuring prompt availability of new prescriptions.
Lived Experience: Stories of Deprescribing
Nearly half of respondents had direct experience of deprescribing, sharing insightful stories about what worked and what didn’t. Some described discontinuing or reducing dosage during the pandemic, with significant effects: “During the pandemic I was advised to stop taking my immunosuppressants, which had the effect that my immune system went into overdrive, with the obvious consequences.” Others recounted successful gradual reductions, collaborative discussions, or self-managed decisions.
The importance of communication and support surfaced repeatedly. “Morphine and Severedol – started reducing it slowly with help of pharmacist. Only needed for breakthrough pain, if severe.” Self-management was also evident: “If I no longer need something, I stop ordering and inform my Dr straightaway.” Medication reviews and clear recommendations were viewed as best practice, with many advocating for reviews every two years.
Key Insights and Recommendations
Bringing together the survey data, several key insights stand out:
- Trust in healthcare professionals is paramount in decisions to reduce or stop medicines.
- People are more likely to consider deprescribing if involved in shared decision-making and gradual processes.
- Concerns about deprescribing are highest among those with lifelong or serious conditions, particularly if past experiences were negative.
- Regular, patient-centred medicines reviews, clear communication, and thorough explanation of risks and benefits are essential.
- Support with other aspects of health—mental health, physiotherapy, weight management—can help facilitate deprescribing.
- Minimising overprescribing and medicine waste remains a priority for both patients and providers.
- Removing basic over-the-counter medicines from prescriptions could help streamline medicine management.
Looking Forward: Next Steps
Based on these findings, the report recommends several next steps:
- Share the findings with the Oversight Oversteering Group to formulate a targeted action plan.
- Continue engaging with the 51 respondents who expressed interest in further involvement, building a cohort of public partners to inform future campaign and engagement activities.
- Explore new opportunities for campaign activity
- Review access to medication for new doses and alternative prescriptions, ensuring patients receive the support and information needed for successful transitions.
Conclusion
The survey’s findings paint a picture of a public largely satisfied with their medicines, yet open to change—provided they are supported by trusted professionals and clear, respectful communication. Deprescribing is not simply about cutting back; it is about empowering individuals, improving safety, and building systems that put patient needs and preferences at the centre.
As NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde moves forward, these insights will be vital in shaping campaigns, policies, and everyday practice. By listening to people’s experiences and ideas, we can ensure that deprescribing is not just a buzzword but a meaningful step toward better health and wellbeing for all.
