The results of the effectiveness of the STRIPassistant, a computerized decision support system to improve a medication review, is published in Drugs and Aging. The  study showed that appropriate decisions increased from 58% without the STRIP Assistant to 76% with it (p<0.0001). Inappropriate decisions decreased from 42% without the STRIP Assistant to 24% with it (p<0.0001). The open access article is available on the EPHOR website at Research/articles.

The kick-off meeting of the OPERAM study (OPtimising ThERapy to prevent Avoidable hospital admissions in the Multimorbid elderly) is scheduled at 15 and 16 June in Morges Switzerland. This study will investigate the STRIPassistant a digital tool for the optimization of polypharmacy. A videodemo of the Stripassistant is available. The Stripassistant will be further developed.

EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) has completed a review of medicines containing the antihistamine hydroxyzine. This follows concerns over the risk of possible effects onheart rhythm with these medicines, which are available in most EU countries.

The PRAC considered that hydroxyzine was associated with a small but definite risk of QT interval prolongation and torsade de pointes.

Based on the assessed data, the risk did not differ between indications, and the Committee recommended that hydroxyzine could continue to be used provided that measures to minimise the risk of problems with heart rhythm were taken.

These measures include using the medicine at the lowest effective dose for as short a time as possible. Use is not recommended in the elderly. The maximum daily dose should be no more than 100 mg in adults (50 mg in the elderly if use cannot be avoided). Use must be avoided in patients who already have risk factors for heart rhythm disturbances or are taking other medicines that increase the risk of QT prolongation. Care is also needed in patients taking medicines that slow the heart rate or decrease the level of potassium in the blood, as these also increase the risk of problems with heart rhythm.

The website of Ephor is fully renovated. It is easier to find the information on the website. Information of the geriatric Expert Group of The European Medicines Agency, information for teachers, scientific products and tools for appropriate prescribing are all present and can be used for free.

The OPERAM study gets the grant from Horizon 2020. OOPERAM will study the us of the STRIP-assistant, a digital tool for appropriate and cost-effective prescribing in hospitals. The OPERAM consortium is a cooperation of clinical centres in Bern (Switzerland), Brussels (Belgium), Cork (Ireland) and Utrecht (Netherlands). Leader of the project is prof. Rodondi from Bern.