Background and Importance Since their first versions¹, the STOPP/START criteria have demonstrated their interest in clinical pharmacy practices. In 2023, these criteria were updated in line with advances in clinical research. This new version requires us to update our knowledge and practices.

Aim and Objectives Assess the impact of the 3rd version of the STOPP/START criteria on our pharmaceutical interventions (PI) in both geriatric and non-geriatric services.

Material and Methods Prospective analysis of 75 prescriptions: 50 from geriatric services (acute care and nursing homes) and 25 from non-geriatric medical services with patients over 65 years old. The number of PIs concerning the common to versions 2 and 3 was recorded and the number of PIs related to the new criteria in 2023 (version 3).

Results The average age was 84.2 and 83.7 years for non-geriatric and geriatric services, respectively. The average number of prescription lines was 11.5 and 12.2.

The prevalence of prescriptions containing at least one inappropriate medication according to the new version was 84% and 72% (1.24 and 1.7 criteria per patient).

Common criteria between the two versions resulted in 51 PIs, 19 and 32 PIs, respectively, equating to 0.76 and 0.64 criteria per patient. The most commonly encountered common criteria (8) was benzodiazepines for anxiety for ≥ 4 weeks.

New criteria in version 3 represented 31 PIs, 10 and 21 PIs, respectively, representing 0.16 and 0.42 criteria per patient. The most commonly encountered new criteria (13) was benzodiazepines for insomnia for ≥ 2 weeks.

Conclusion and Relevance The third version of the STOPP/START criteria impacts our clinical pharmacy practices, leading to an increase in the number of PIs in prescriptions analysed within our institution, across all sectors. This new version will affect the medication management of these polypharmacy elderly patients.

References and/or Acknowledgements 1. Gallagher P, Ryan C, Byrne S, Kennedy J and D. O’Mahony.STOPP (Screening Tool of Older Person’s Prescriptions) and START (Screening Tool to Alert doctors to Right Treatment). Consensus validation. 2008;46:72–83. doi: 10.5414/CPP46072.

Conflict of Interest No conflict of interest.