V |
Vital, life sustaining |
Continue; monitor dosage, frequency, and adjust accordingly |
Insulin for diabetes mellitus |
I |
Important for quality of life, although not life sustaining |
Continue/consolidate medication; use the prescription with the least adverse effects and most cost-effective |
Pain medication; stool softener |
O |
Optional |
Weigh benefits vs risks of medication; seriously consider reducing or stopping |
Diabetes mellitus test strips and insulin for actively dying patient |
N |
Not indicated/treatment complete |
STOP the medication; monitor the outcome after stopping medication |
Patient at advanced age on statin; antibiotics after treatment completed |
E |
Every medication has an indication |
Reassess or justify need for medication; stop, reduce or change |
Omeprazole but heartburn managed with diet and/or lifestyle changes |