June 27, 2023
When AMDA launched the Drive to Deprescribe (D2D) – Optimizing Medication Use in PALTC initiative two years ago, they hoped it would make a difference. But members of the D2D workgroup—Arif Nazir, MD, CMD; Sabine von Preyss-Friedman, MD, FACP, CMD; Michael Cinque, RPharmD; and Jennifer Pruskowski, PharmD, BCPS, CGP—were pleased to see a groundswell of support for their efforts and many organizations and facility leaders clamoring to be involved and committed to making medication optimization a top priority. Earlier this year, their efforts earned them the John Gladstone Award for Media Excellence at PALTC23 in Tampa, FL. The honor is named for AMDA’s long-time website manager and producer of the AMDA On-The-Go podcasts, who passed away in 2022.
“This is a unique award. It’s not just about the advocacy for high-quality care; it also brings to mind someone who was humbly committed to that mission without asking for recognition. John was willing to roll up his sleeves and do whatever was needed. To be part of the team to receive this award is beyond exciting for all of us,” said Dr. Nazir. “To be able to spread the word about medication optimization—as well as other issues—has been very meaningful to me,” he noted. Using various media platforms—from publications to podcasts—adds “more dimensions to achieve our mission.” Dr. Cinque added, “It is an honor to be part of a team that helped make an impact, not only getting the message out but providing real practical strategies, tactics, and advice on improving the medication use process through deprescribing.”
AMDA has been “quite nimble” in preparing members to communicate and be part of the conversation,” Dr. Nazir noted. As a result, it is second nature for Society leaders to reach all kinds of audiences and communicate with everyone from team members and facility leaders to policymakers and consumers. “AMDA does a great job of filling the gaps in communication and information,” Dr. Nazir said. Moving forward, he suggested, “There will be more opportunities to get our messages out, and we will explore these and continue to provide a voice for our members.”
Speaking out and being vocal is challenging and can sometimes weigh heavily, admitted Dr. Nazir, but he emphasizes that it is essential. He explained, “We have to be careful not to share information that is not accurate or just based on opinion. And if we say something that turns out to be inaccurate, we must correct it promptly.” At the same time, he noted that sometimes it is useful to share something personal that makes you vulnerable. “This can be uncomfortable, but if it is aligned with your personal goals and it can make a positive difference and benefit others, it is worthwhile,” he said.
Dr. Cinque observes, “It is critical to use different platforms to get the word out. Like other issues, deprescribing is a team game.” Using different social media platforms to engage and communicate, he said, “allows us to meet people where they are and when they can consume information and give feedback when they can. That is how Drive to Deprescribe worked. Engagement made the difference.”
Dr. Nazir urged his colleagues to be part of the dialogue, starting by listening and reacting to the special AMDA On-The-Go D2D podcasts. “The content we promote through the podcasts are meaningful, and it is a unique opportunity to hear what compassion and leadership means,” he said. He further noted that hearing leaders talk about key challenges and opportunities lays out a blueprint for action on various issues. He said, “Listen to as many podcasts as possible and change behaviors as a result. Disseminate and spread the messages.”
Ultimately, Dr. Nazir said, “I would like to challenge and invite all my colleagues to think about how they can engage the media to share messages and promote positive change.” For instance, maybe a Futures Program alum would like to start a Tik Tok program or open a YouTube channel, or maybe someone with strong community ties could write a column for their local paper or host a radio talk show or health segment. “Don’t be afraid to reach out and take a leap of faith. One second of action could result in some action or initiative that is a game changer,” Dr. Nazir said.
Watch this video of Dr. Pruskowski discussing the D2D initiative:
