Senior Research Fellow, School of Primary Care, Population Sciences and Medical Education, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton
Overview
I attended the 3-day International Conference on Deprescribing held in Montreal, Canada. The conference brought together leading researchers, clinicians, and policymakers from around the world to share knowledge and advance the science and practice of deprescribing.
Conference Participation and Achievements
During the conference, I presented my research in the form of a poster. I am delighted to report that my poster was awarded the Best Poster Prize, which was a significant recognition of the quality and impact of the work.
In addition to presenting, I actively engaged with the conference programme by attending a variety of talks and workshops focused on current developments, implementation strategies, and future directions in deprescribing.
Networking and Collaboration
A key highlight of the trip was the opportunity to network and learn from other researchers and clinicians from across the world. This included key researchers from the Canadian Deprescribing Network (CaDeN), providing valuable insights into ongoing international collaborations and initiatives, and opened opportunities for future engagement.
Learning and Outcomes
The conference offered a wealth of learning, particularly in relation to:
- Advancing deprescribing practices in clinical settings
- Strategies to improve patient and clinician engagement
- Future directions for deprescribing research, including pharmacogenomics and the role of AI.
- The importance of public awareness and education in supporting deprescribing initiatives
I found the focus on public awareness of polypharmacy and deprescribing, and in particular the important and wide-reaching work that patient partners have conducted in promoting public awareness, especially relevant. I will incorporate these insights into my ongoing and future work.
Impact and Future Application
The knowledge and experience gained will directly inform my research and practice. In particular, I intend to:
- Integrate approaches to improve public awareness of deprescribing
- Share learning with colleagues and networks
- Build on international connections to strengthen collaboration
Personal Reflection
Attending the conference was highly inspiring. It was motivating to see the breadth and quality of work being conducted globally in deprescribing, and to contribute to this field through my own research. The experience has strengthened my commitment to advancing deprescribing research and practice.
Conclusion
The travel bursary enabled me to participate in an important international forum, present award-winning research, and build valuable professional connections. The experience will have lasting benefits for my work and contribution to the field, and I am very grateful for the opportunity.
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