209 Deprescribing in Frail Older People Approaching End-of-Life: Development and Validation of STOPPFrail Version 2 (Age and Ageing)

AbstractBackgroundOlder people with advanced frailty are commonly prescribed lengthy, burdensome medication regimens. When life expectancy is likely to be limited, many of the prescribed drugs may be inappropriate. STOPPFrail Criteria were developed in 2016 to assist clinicians with deprescribing decisions in frail older people with limited life expectancy. Due to an expanding evidence base, updating of the criteria was required.MethodsA focused literature review was performed to reassess the original criteria and propose new criteria. Eight panelists, with expertise in geriatric medicine, general practice, palliative medicine, psychiatry and clinical pharmacology, reviewed and critiqued a new draft of STOPPFrail criteria. The revised list of criteria was then validated using Delphi consensus methodology.ResultsThe expert panel agreed a final list of 27 criteria after two Delphi validation rounds. STOPPFrail version 2 proposes a method for identifying older people approaching end-of-life and emphasizes shared decision making in the deprescribing process. New criteria relating to the discontinuation of anti-hypertensive medications, anti-thrombotic therapies and vitamin D are included.ConclusionSTOPPFrail version 2 has been expanded and updated for the purpose of assisting clinicians with deprescribing decisions in frail older adults approaching end-of-life. The criteria are based on an up-to-date literature review and consensus validation among a panel of experts.