Pronunciation: [stˈɒp] (IPA) 
The word "STOPP" is spelled using the IPA phonetic transcription as /stɒp/. The word comprises of five letters, beginning with the letter "S" followed by "T" and "O". The two "P's" at the end of the word indicate a strong emphasis on the last syllable. "STOPP" is a word that is commonly used in road signs with an intended meaning of coming to a halt or stopping. Accurate spelling of this word is important to ensure safety on the roads.
STOPP is an acronym that stands for "Screening Tool of Older Persons' potentially inappropriate Prescriptions." It is a comprehensive clinical tool designed to identify potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) used by older adults. STOPP is primarily used by healthcare professionals, including doctors and pharmacists, to assess the appropriateness and safety of prescription drugs for elderly individuals.
This screening tool helps identify medications that may have adverse effects or may no longer be necessary for older adults due to factors like age-related changes in drug metabolism, drug-drug interactions, or increased vulnerability to side effects. STOPP provides structured guidelines and criteria to evaluate the appropriateness of each prescribed medication, enabling healthcare professionals to make informed decisions about medication management for older patients.
The goal of STOPP is to optimize patient care by preventing the prescription of medications that may potentially cause harm or have limited benefits, thus reducing the risk of medication-related adverse events. This tool considers various factors such as therapeutic duplication, drug-drug interactions, narrow therapeutic index drugs, high-dose and long-term use of certain medications, and drugs with limited benefits or evidence of efficacy in older adults.
By adhering to STOPP guidelines, healthcare professionals can promote rational prescribing, reduce the risk of adverse drug reactions, improve patient safety, and enhance the overall quality of care for older individuals.
