SIMPATHY project: Innovation for appropriate polypharmacy in the elderly

An increasing number of older people use multiple medicines (polypharmacy). Ensuring that they receive the most appropriate combinations of medications (appropriate polypharmacy) is a significant challenge. The EU-funded SIMPATHY project is working to innovate this field across the EU and is looking to join forces with other interested parties.

The SIMPATHY consortium aims to:

map current polypharmacy management across the EU;
identify best practices from across the EU;
provide and promote tools and resources for different loco-regional contexts;
change the management of polypharmacy to increase adherence in older adults.

So far, the project has conducted desk reviews, interviews, focus groups and a systematic review of scientific and grey literature related to polypharmacy management. Nine case studies were delivered addressing polypharmacy issues in Catalonia (Spain), Germany, Greece, Italy, Northern Ireland (UK), Poland, Portugal, Scotland (UK) and Sweden.

The next step is to engage multiple stakeholder groups who share a vision of better care for the elderly.

For more information, please have a look at the SIMPATHY website. The project will also present itself at the European Summit on Innovation for Active and Healthy Ageing (Brussels, 5-8 December, 2016).

SIMPATHY runs from 1 June 2015 until 31 May 2017.

SIMPATHY project: Innovation for appropriate polypharmacy in the elderly

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