deescalation
dee-ES-kuh-LAY-shun
Definition
The process of intentionally reducing the intensity, dose, or duration of a medical intervention to determine if a less intensive regimen remains safe and effective for the patient.
Etymology
The word is a modern formation consisting of the prefix 'de-' (indicating reversal or removal) added to 'escalation,' which derives from the Latin 'scala' meaning 'ladder.' It implies climbing down a ladder of intensity.
In the news
In the article, the term describes clinical trials designed to challenge the standard of care by testing whether patients can safely reduce or stop current treatments. It highlights a shift in research focus from adding new therapies to critically evaluating whether existing treatments remain necessary.
The Clinical Trial That Asks Whether Your Current Treatment Should Exist
Read the full article ↗The Clinical Trial Vanguard