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A newly published clinical trial from McGill University researchers demonstrates that a digital tool called MedSafer can significantly help seniors in long-term care reduce their intake of unnecessary—and sometimes harmful—medications.
The study, featured in JAMA Network Open, found that MedSafer enabled clinicians to deprescribe potentially inappropriate medications in 36% of participating residents, nearly triple the rate observed without the software. The trial involved 725 residents at five New Brunswick care homes, each taking an average of 10 medications.
“Sometimes we blame aging for memory loss or mobility issues when the real culprit is the medications,” explained lead author Dr. Emily McDonald, an Associate Professor in McGill’s Department of Medicine. Dr. McDonald shared that she has “seen patients go from barely responsive to having conversations again after stopping a sedating medication.”
MedSafer works by scanning a resident’s medication list alongside their health conditions, flagging drugs that may no longer be appropriate and providing guidance on how to safely stop certain medications or choose safer alternatives. It functions as a detailed checklist for clinicians, aiming to standardize and enhance the typically ad-hoc process of deprescribing.
Polypharmacy—commonly defined as the use of five or more medications—is widespread among Canadian seniors, particularly in long-term care homes. Over time, medications are often added to manage the side effects caused by other drugs, creating what is known as a “prescribing cascade.” This can increase seniors’ risk of falls, confusion, and hospital admissions. “The more you take, the more side effects and interactions you can have,” said co-developer Dr. Todd Lee.
The research team hopes MedSafer will one day be integrated into routine primary care, preventing overmedication before seniors enter long-term care. “This should be the new standard of care for older adults,” Dr. McDonald emphasized. “No one should be on a medication that’s doing more harm than good.”
Drs. McDonald and Lee co-founded MedSafer Corp., which licenses the software used in the study.
Disclaimer: This article reports on research findings and is for informational purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice. Individuals should consult healthcare professionals before making any changes to their medications or treatment plans based on these findings.
