From April 27 to 29th 2026, the Canadian Medication Appropriateness and Deprescribing Network and the US Deprescribing Research Network co-hosted the third edition of the International Conference on Deprescribing (ICOD) 2026 in Montréal, Canada.
Over 260 participants — researchers, clinicians, public members, patient advocates, health and community organisation representatives and students — gathered to connect, share and learn from one another about promoting the safe use of medications around the world.
International and Diverse Attendance
Participants from each corner of the world traveled to Montreal to attend the conference. Whether you flew in from Australia, Iceland, Ireland, Japan, Peru, the United Kingdom, the United States, or anywhere else in the world, thank you for being an integral part of this event!
With two previous editions centred on deprescribing research, this third edition broadened the scope of ICOD to include perspectives from healthcare professionals, students, members of the public! We were overjoyed to see the diversity of roles in attendance at the conference — a testament of the many stakeholders involved in improving medication use!
Inspiring and Thought-Provoking Sessions
This year’s keynote and plenary sessions brought together leading voices in deprescribing research, communication, innovation and lived experience. Speakers explored strategies to promote person-centred deprescribing practices and approaches to communicate it with impact and relevance to public audiences.
There was a consistent thread around the complexity of communicating, implementing and innovating deprescribing strategies - on a personal, clinical, or system level. Sessions reflected the breadth and momentum of the field, while also highlighting opportunities to improve deprescribing practices and research, with AI innovation, person-centred research and practices, leaving attendees energized to drive change in their own contexts.
Interactive Workshops and Group Discussions
ICOD 2026's interactive workshops gave attendees the space to brainstorm and apply novel approaches to the real-world challenges of deprescribing.
Workshops facilitated in-depth research discussions, digging into different methodologies, approached and measurable outcomes in deprescribing research.
Small-group moderated discussions were also held during lunch breaks, allowing for candid exchange on topics ranging from implementation science, study recruitment, and target trial emulation, to patient education, non-pharmacological approaches to mental health, and emerging models of deprescribing practice.
For many attendees, these interactive formats were the highlight of the conference, allowing for meaningful conenctions between attendees and nurturing collaboration.
Emerging Findings in Deprescribing Research
ICOD 2026 offered a rich showcase of deprescribing research from around the world. Early-career and established researchers alike shared their latest work through scientific abstracts, poster presentations, and panels, spanning topics from novel deprescribing tools and real-world interventions, to adverse drug withdrawal events and medication use in specific populations. Together, these contributions painted a vivid picture of a maturing field of research that continues to grow, and that is driven by a shared commitment to improving patient care.
Fostering Connection, Collaboration and Continued Momentum
Beyond the sessions, ICOD 2026 was defined by participants’ energy and enthusiasm throughout the 3-day event. Attendees describe a conference that felt as much like a reunion as a scientific meeting. Hallway conversations turned into collaborations, shared meals became brainstorming sessions, and a sense of community was felt at every moment.
The diversity of perspectives only strengthened the collective sentiment that deprescribing matters for everyone, regardless of age, country, or role. Participants left inspired, carrying with them new partnerships, renewed purpose, and a shared momentum to promote medication appropriateness and deprescribing back home.
