EAHP represents over 30,000 hospital pharmacists across 37 member countries. EAHP represents and develops the hospital pharmacy profession within Europe in order to ensure the continuous improvement of care and outcomes for patients in the hospital setting. This is achieved through science, research, education, practice, as well as sharing best-practice and responsibility with other healthcare professional
The EAHP Board, elected for three-year terms, oversees the association’s activities. Comprising directors responsible for core functions, it meets regularly to implement strategic goals. Supported by EAHP staff, the Board controls finances, coordinates congress organization, and ensures compliance with statutes and codes of conduct.
The EAHP staff supports the Board in executing EAHP’s mission. The Staff assists in financial management, events organisations, policy activities and all EAHP projects. The EAHP staff works closely with EAHP’s members and ensures the effective communication all relevant stakeholders.
The first member countries were Belgium, Britain, Denmark, France, the Federal Republic, Germany, Italy and The Netherlands in 1972. EAHP has now 36 EAHP members and 2 Associate Members. EAHP is open to countries members of the Council of Europe and since 2022 to organisations representing the interests of hospital pharmacists from outside the Council of Europe (Associate Membership)
EAHP’s structure is also composed by different standing committes: EAHP Scientific Committee, EAHP Education Executive Committee and the EAHP CTF Steering Committee.
At EAHP, we are committed to transparency in our governance, ethical standards, and funding practices. This section provides open access to our foundational documents, including the EAHP Statutes, Code of Conduct, and Funding Sources. By sharing these resources, we aim to uphold accountability and foster trust with our members, partners, and the public.
Keep up with all EAHP’s events and webinars. Contact the team at info@eahp.eu should you have any questions about upcoming events or activities.
Here you can find all upcoming events organised by EAHP and by all its members and associate members. Do not hesitate to contact the events team at events@eahp.eu should you have any questions about the organisation of these events.
Hospital pharmacists conduct a critical role in the care of patients in hospitals. Learn more about what they do here and in all the pages under Hospital Pharmacy practice and Policy.
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EAHP brings together experts from many areas of hospital pharmacy practice providing and highlighting good local sustainable practices as that can be up-scaled and shared with other countries. The EAHP Working Group on Sustainability has the aim of reducing the environmental burden of the hospital pharmacy services.
The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP), and its 36 member country platforms are creating a Common Training Framework for the hospital pharmacy education in Europe. The goal of this project is to allow the free movement of hospital pharmacists within the European Union.
The European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) and the European Society of Clinical Pharmacy (ESCP) have collaboratively developed the Oath to Society. The Oath to Society is all encompassing and acts as a contract for excellence in providing compassionate patient care, working as part of the healthcare team and advancing the pharmacy profession, and showcasing how clinical and hospital pharmacists work every day
A day created to highlight the importance and to celebrate the work done by hospital pharmacies. This day celebrates all hospital pharmacy teams.
The Early Career Network aims to empower early-career pharmacists by sharing opportunities, insights, and success stories from across 25 member countries.
Together, we’re building a stronger, more connected hospital pharmacy community: one story, one country, one pharmacist at a time.
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Find all EAHP relevant publication like the EAHP Surveys, annual reports and the history books.
The European Journal of Hospital Pharmacy (EJHP) is the only official journal of the European Association of Hospital Pharmacists (EAHP) and is committed to advancing the science, practice and profession of hospital pharmacy. As the premier communication platform for hospital pharmacists worldwide, EJHP is a major source for continuing education as well as updates on advances in the practice and standard of pharmaceutical care for patients.
When EAHP and Hospital pharmacists appear in the news.
EAHP publishes a monthly EU monitor with updates about the latest EAHP initiatives and information relevant for the hospital pharmacy profession.
The Sponsor Channel is designed to maximise visibility and engagement, allowing sponsors to connect with the hospital pharmacy community and partners in a dynamic and interactive environment. From product demonstrations to networking sessions, the Sponsor Channel offers a range of opportunities for sponsors to showcase their offerings and generate leads in the new EAHP Website.
Clinical Pharmacy Services
A Wagner, D Weixler, C Waidinger, M Josl
A pharmacist, integrated in the palliative care team, reviewed preselected patients with advanced disease to identify potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). When appropriate, a team of physicians deprescribed PIMs in accordance to patient preferences, clinical status and rationale. The initiative aimed to identify PIMs, reduce pill burden and align pharmacotherapy with individual treatment goals.
Up to 96% of geriatric oncological palliative care patients experience polypharmacy (>5 medications) (1), with up to 70% receiving at least one PIM referring to Lindsay J et al. (2).
Deprescribing is considered appropriate in certain clinical situations, including for example:
– presence of polypharmacy
– patient’s wish
– shift in treatment strategy or goals
– limited life expectancy
– when potential harm outweighs benefits
– Weekly interdisciplinary meetings
– Eligible patients were identified by the palliative care physicians based on prognosis, symptom burden, medication profile (polypharmacy), and patient wishes
– Pharmacist reviewed medications using medical records, identified potential deprescribing opportunities and provided tailored deprescribing recommendations (what and how to deprescribe)
– Recommendations were collaboratively discussed and documented
– If deprescribing was implemented, follow-up was conducted at the next patient visit and was subsequently monitored during regular consultations
During observation period, three patients (all male, median age 80) received a structure deprescribing review. A total of 59 drugs were targeted, 20 PIMs have been identified.
Commonly deprescribed medication groups were gastroprotective drugs (A02B), urological agents (G04B, G04C) antihypertensives (C02A, C09A, C08C, C03C) and vascular or miscellaneous agents (C05B, N06DX, N07A). Typical reason for discontinuation included stable blood pressure, presence of indwelling urinary catheter, patient-driven deprescribing request, therapeutic futility.
Other drug classes such as psychotropics (N06A, N04B), cognitive enhancers (N06D) and bone-metabolism agents (M05B, A12A) were occasionally discontinued when adverse drug effects outweighed potential benefit or did not align with palliative goals (long-term preventive therapy). Main drivers for deprescribing were patient wishes to reduce pill burden, complex symptom management and avoidance of adverse effects.
The initiative demonstrated feasibility, safety, and transferability of pharmacist-supported deprescribing as part of a multidisciplinary team. Next steps could include the development of interprofessional training sessions and expansion to other clinical settings.
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
Mengato D, Camuffo L, Todino F, Binanti ME, Sartori S, Benini F, Venturini F
Medication errors in pediatrics often arise from incorrect handling or administration by caregivers. Strengthening their knowledge is essential to improve safety and adherence. The initiative aimed to raise awareness and assess caregivers’ understanding of safe medication use, storage, and the role of compounded (“galenic”) medicines. It also intended to reinforce the visibility of clinical pharmacists as accessible medication experts for families.
On 17 September 2025, during the World Health Organization’s World Patient Safety Day themed “Safe care for every newborn and every child”, the clinical pharmacy team of the Azienda Ospedale–Università Padova organized an awareness event within the Pediatric Department. The initiative included a pharmacist-managed information desk, an interactive quiz for parents and caregivers, educational materials on safe medication practices, and gadgets for children to foster engagement. Pharmacists were available throughout the day to answer questions and provide individual counseling on pediatric medicines.
A voluntary anonymous quiz with 10 knowledge-based and 2 awareness questions was administered to parents visiting the department. Participants received a score (1–10) and tailored feedback: scores ≥8 indicated excellent knowledge, 5–7 good knowledge with room for improvement, and <5 the need for closer pharmacist or physician guidance. The event required coordination with pediatric staff and logistical support for educational materials and space allocation.
Thirty-two parents completed the quiz: 68.8% achieved ≥8 points (“super-pharma-parents”), 28.1% scored 5–7, and 3.1% scored <5. Knowledge was strong regarding shaking suspensions (100%), completing antibiotic courses (96.9%), and proper disposal of expired drugs (96.9%). Gaps emerged in measuring tools (9.4% incorrect) and preparation environment (6.2% unsuitable). Awareness of galenic medicines was limited (18.7% misdefinition). The initiative was well-received, stimulating high engagement and requests for future educational sessions.
The experience improved caregiver awareness and strengthened collaboration between families and clinical pharmacists. This initiative, which is embedded with the Clinical Pharmacy Ambulatory, represents a reproducible model to enhance pediatric medication safety. Future steps include integrating similar educational events into routine hospital activities and developing digital tools to extend pharmacist-led counseling to the community.
Clinical Pharmacy Services
Pons Maria, A; Fernández Huertas, L; Samblas Ruiz, M; Hernandez Silveira, L; Barceló Sansó, F; Juez Santamaria, C; Luque Mesa, JA
This case describes a 23-year-old patient admitted with acute kidney injury (AKIN III) of unknown origin. Due to poor clinical progression, along with symptoms of scalp itching and redness, and the presence of calcium oxalate crystals in urine, glyoxylic acid poisoning was suspected. Glyoxylic acid is a component found in certain hair straightening products. The potential use of fomepizole as an antidote was considered, prompting a pharmaceutical intervention.
A literature review was conducted on the use of fomepizole in poisonings caused by glyoxylic acid and ethylene glycol, considering that glyoxylic acid is an intermediate metabolite in the toxic pathway of ethylene glycol.
The mechanism of action of fomepizole was analyzed as a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme alcohol dehydrogenase, assessing its ability to block the conversion of glyoxylic acid into toxic metabolites such as oxalic acid, which is responsible for renal damage. To evaluate the feasibility of using the antidote, the National Institute of Toxicology was consulted. After reviewing the case, and given that more than 72 hours had passed since exposure to the toxin, its administration was ruled out. Supportive treatment already initiated was continued, including fluid therapy, bicarbonate, thiamine, and pyridoxine. The patient showed progressive improvement in renal function without requiring dialysis.
The multidisciplinary approach enabled the identification of the toxic etiology and helped prevent major complications. The case highlighted the key role of the hospital pharmacist in the evaluation of antidotes.
Similar poisoning scenarios—both uncommon and typical—will be reviewed to establish well-defined clinical pathways that allow for rapid and coordinated action in case antidotes such as fomepizole need to be used. This review will help improve the preparedness of both pharmacy and clinical teams for toxicological situations not currently covered by existing protocols.
Clinical Pharmacy Services
J. BERGÉ, S. BRILLOUET, C. LAMESA
Tripartite consultation (TC) activities are well established in oncology for chemotherapy, and are progressively emerging in radiopharmacy, where there is a clear need to support elderly and polymedicated patients receiving RLT. This therapy is costly and complex, with additional radioprotection requirements, making multidisciplinary coordination essential.
A new activity of clinical pharmacy in radiopharmacy is developed as TC for Pluvicto® radioligand therapy (RLT) in our comprehensive cancer center.
This activity was set as TC with the nuclear physician, radiopharmacist, and nuclear medicine technologist. The initiative was done on our institutional software, with dedicated templates creation and harmonized tools.
Three main axes guided implementation: (1) integration into institutional software with customized reporting templates; (2) reorganization and structuring of the patient pathway; (3) harmonization of practices and training, with the involvement of pharmacy residents under senior supervision. Moreover, specific supports were developed to structure patient counseling, including interview templates and patient-oriented documents (radioprotection instructions, explanatory treatment diagrams).
The initiative enabled the standardization of reporting, the improvement of patient pathway coordination, and the reinforcement of their educational support. The integration of patient counseling tools strengthened patients’ understanding of a complex therapy, sensitization to radioprotection, and adherence to their care, while improving overall coordination. It also made possible the systematic performance of medication reviews, particularly relevant for an elderly and polymedicated patient population. Since its implementation, 40 patients have already been managed within this framework by residents under systematic senior supervision. Finally, the TC allowed the institutional financial valorization of this activity.
This activity represents an interesting and transposable example of good practice. Its implementation demonstrates that such an TC structure can be extended to other RLT to improve efficiency and harmonization of both professional practices and patient management. In parallel, we are currently driving a French multicenter study (Pharma-RIV) assessing the impact of pharmaceutical consultations in the management of patients receiving RLT. A broader preliminary effort is in progress to structure the RLT care pathway at the national level, in collaboration with the French Society of Nuclear Medicine.
Clinical Pharmacy Services
Francesca Baldi (1), Irene Bosoni (1), Sofia Filippini (1), Annamaria Valcavi (1), Gradellini Federica (1)
Alessia Rondini (3), Monica Salsi (3), Silvia Tanzi (2), Sara Alquati (2), Corrado Bacchi (3)
1. Pharmacy Department, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
2. Palliative Care Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
3. Hospice Unit, Azienda USL-IRCCS, Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Palliative care (PC) involves a network of hospitals and healthcare facilities supported by teams of nurses, specialists, general practitioners, and pharmacists. Off-label drugs are used to manage symptoms that do not respond to standard therapies, as permitted by law when no alternatives are available and under medical supervision. The National Health Service reimburses these drugs, but their use requires authorization based on proven safety and efficacy, potentially limiting patient access. Identifying essential drugs for symptom management is crucial to ensure a good quality of life.
The AUSL of Reggio Emilia – IRCCS developed the “Local formulary of Palliative Care in Adult Patients” to support pharmacological management in PC. This formulary outlines key symptoms and provides evidence-based pharmacological options derived from scientific literature and clinical guidelines.
A multidisciplinary team of pharmacists, palliative care specialists, and nurses developed the formulary, defining essential treatments for palliative care across various local care settings. First published in 2019 and updated in 2022, the formulary specifies for each drug the indication, dosage, main side effects, and route of administration. Besides, it clarifies whether the use is in-label or off-label, based on the latest studies, accredited guidelines, and Italian legislation on off-label drug use. Off-label treatments are included to address multiple clinical needs when no approved therapeutic options exist, reducing empirical prescribing practices.
The formulary covers 16 symptoms, 99 drugs, and 30 active ingredients, ensuring continuity of care across the PC network. It allows PC specialists to prescribe listed medications, facilitating patient access to necessary therapies. This evidence-based system supports off-label use when approved options are unavailable, ensuring both patient safety and legal protection for healthcare providers. The tool is accessible to healthcare professionals through an electronic prescribing and administration system and in the company’s intranet section, promoting information sharing and continuity of care in hospital, community and home settings.
Clinical pharmacists play a critical role in ensuring appropriate prescribing and the proper implementation of the electronic system. Future steps include updating the formulary and expanding pharmacist training in palliative care
Production and Compounding
G. Penocchio, F. Bertola, F. Bozza, F. Caravaggio, M. Ferrighi, M.P. Ghilardi, A. Pozzi, G. Trainini, C. Galloni, T.E. Testa.
Epidermolysis bullosa (EB) comprises a group of rare disorders with multisystem effects. In the postnatal period, a 37-week -old infant presented with dysepithelialized lesions on the body, as well as involvement of the oral cavity, characterized by discoloration of the hard palate and gums. The multidisciplinary team diagnosed EB and deemed it necessary to apply lidocaine gel because the infant was unable to feed due to pain from the sores. Initially, several commercially available products were used, but their irritating excipients led to poor tolerance. Consequently, it was necessary to prepare an extemporaneous formulation devoid of preservatives and flavorings.
This intervention presents the development of an extemporaneous preparation of lidocaine hydrochloride 0.5% w/w viscous oral topical gel, free of preservatives and flavors. The gel was distributed to the neonatal intensive care unit staff in pre-filled syringes and applied to the oropharyngeal mucosa of a neonate diagnosed with EB.
The components of the preparation included lidocaine hydrochloride, carboxymethylcellulose sodium (CMC), and sterile water. CMC was chosen for its hydrophilic properties and excellent gelling capabilities. The gel was prepared using a high-shear magnetic stirrer, with increasing concentrations of CMC (0.75%, 2.25%, 3%, and 4%). After discussions with the multidisciplinary team, the pharmacist recommended using the 4% gel, as its density allowed it to adhere well to the oropharyngeal mucosa. This adherence is crucial for preventing absorption and minimizing potential cardiac side effects of lidocaine.
The gel was successfully prepared with 0.5% lidocaine and 4% CMC, and packaged in pre-filled syringes with the daily dosage. Due to the absence of preservatives and stability data, the shelf life was established at 15 days when stored at 2-8°C. The viscous oral gel was administered three times a day, 20 minutes before feeding, to exert its anesthetic effect and facilitate breastfeeding.
The hospital pharmacist’s extensive expertise was instrumental in determining the optimal concentration of CMC and customizing the formulation to meet the patient’s unique requirements. This pivotal contribution led to a highly personalized therapy, ultimately resulting in the successful discontinuation of artificial nutrition in this critically ill patient.”
Introductory Statements and Governance
JLV, Johanne Lundgaard Vedersø; CEGP Constance Eline Grandjean Poulsen; SLO, Sigrid Linnemann Otnes
Pediatric medication poses challenges due to frequent off-label drug use in this population. Managing pediatric medications requires close interdisciplinary collaboration. The aim of a strategic network was to improve knowledge sharing and collaboration across hospitals and organizations, finding common solutions to challenges related to pediatric medication.
The Pediatric Pharmacist Group (PPG) in the Capital Region of Denmark and Region Zealand established a strategic network.
Many hospitals, only have one pharmacist assigned to the pediatric department. This creates challenges for managing complex issues, with hospitals potentially opting for different solutions to a common issue. Cross-hospital knowledge sharing is therefore crucial. PPG has members across hospitals as well as in the pharmacy’s Department of Implementation and Information. This allows easy access to clinical teams, pharmacologists, and the hospital pharmacy, including the production department.
PPG was organized with a clear mandate, structured communication channels, meeting frameworks, and a knowledge-sharing system. This structure combined with the large interface of PPG, resulted in a strategic network which can quickly mobilize relevant experts to discuss pediatric medication challenges of common interest.
An example is a seminar on 3D-printed medicine, hosted by PPG and the pediatric team from the Department of Clinical Pharmacology. The hospital pharmacy’s production department is working on developing 3D-printed medicine. The seminar was used to share knowledge and discuss the clinical need for such medications in pediatrics. Stakeholders included representatives from the pharmacy, hospitals, two Danish regions, and various professional disciplines (pharmacists, clinical pharmacologists, nurses, and pharmacy technicians).
A strategic network has been established, enabling the rapid mobilization of experts to find common solutions to complex challenges across hospitals and organizations.
During the 3D-printed medicine seminar, knowledge was successfully shared across organizations, providing insights into clinical needs and production possibilities. These discussions will guide future work on 3D-printed medicine.
The “strategic network” concept can be applied to other clinical areas e.g., intensive care units and the area of antibiotics.
The long-term goal for PPG’s strategic network is to evolve into a national network, enhancing knowledge sharing and finding solutions to pediatric medication challenges across Denmark.
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
RBH, Rie Bager Hansen (presenting author), rie.bager.hansen@regionh.dk
ALK, Annabel Lee Krarup
The Capital Region Pharmacy, Hvidovre, Denmark and Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Amager og Hvidovre Hospital, Copenhagen
Patients undergoing acute orthopaedic surgery experience significant pain. The choice of pain-relieving treatment is based on national guidelines and regulatory actions. Considering the U.S. Opioid Crisis and the risk of opioid addiction, it was in 2022 politically decided by the Capital Region of Denmark to focus on consumption patterns of opioids within the region’s hospitals. Morphine is considered an opioid with a lower risk of misuse and was recommended as the first-line opioid. At the start of 2022, the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at Hvidovre Hospital accounted for approximately 30% of the total oral opioid consumption with oxycodone being the preferred opioid. Thus, a strategy was initiated to shift opioid use towards morphine.
The Department of Orthopaedic Surgery initiated a strategy to shift opioid use in hospitalised patients towards morphine. The strategy included including education, revision of guidelines and technical modifications to promote appropriate prescribing practices.
Opioid consumption was continuously monitored and evaluated. At the same time, administration of the antidote naloxone was recorded. The initiative included 1) education about the risk of opioid misuse, 2) e-mail follow-up to clinicians reinforcing that morphine was the first-line opioid, 3) revision of pre-filled electronic prescription packages used at the ward and operating room, 4) publication and implementation of a regional guideline specifically aimed at acute pain management in the orthopaedic surgery setting, and 5) ongoing support from pharmacists to facilitate appropriate selection of opioids.
Opioid consumption effectively shifted towards morphine, with the proportion of patients receiving oral morphine increasing from about 40% to approximately 80% of patients administered oral opioids. Moreover, the shift has remained stable for the past 10 months following the last intervention and there has been no trend toward increased usage of naloxone.
Future efforts will aim to identify reasons behind patients being prescribed non-morphine opioids and to investigate the specific circumstances under which naloxone is administered. This will enable further refinement of opioid prescribing practices and enhance patient safety.
Patient Safety and Quality Assurance
K. Joyce, D. Jukes, F. Stewart
In 2023, the drug formularies across Northeast and North Cumbria integrated care system were merged, with amiodarone allocated an ‘amber’ shared care status.
NHS England guidance recommends that existing patients taking amiodarone in primary care should be reviewed to ensure prescribing remains safe and appropriate and that a shared care agreement is introduced.
The pharmacy team aimed to implement this guidance, with minimum impact on clinician workload. The approach was steered by NHS England’s comments, in June 2024, regarding the importance of teams working together to meet the pressures and demands of primary and secondary care under the direction of the integrated care board (ICB).
County Durham and Darlington Foundation Trust (CDDFT) pharmacy team worked collaboratively across the primary-secondary care interface to implement shared care agreements.
The ICB medicines optimisation team worked with the CDDFT pharmacists to engage GPs and cardiologists across the interface, creating a work-plan to share resources.
An audit tool was designed to capture patients prescribed amiodarone in the 61 GP practices across County Durham, which was completed by pharmacy staff within primary care networks.
Cardiology pharmacists in secondary care reviewed the data, triaging patients according to: indication, monitoring requirements, those requiring consultant review and those who could potentially stop treatment.
The audit, returning data for 129 patients, identified 93 patients without shared care. For half of these, discontinuation was considered as the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence explicitly recommends against use in atrial fibrillation. For the remaining, shared care agreements have been implemented with minimal impact on clinician time, primary care capacity and secondary care referrals.
The audit found 21% of patients without a shared care agreement were not receiving the recommended monitoring, compared to 100% receiving correct monitoring when one was in place. It may be anticipated that implementation will improve patient safety and experience through detection and avoidance of adverse events.
This initiative demonstrates the ICB and pharmacy successfully bridging care settings to improve patient care and experience and overcome challenges.
Building on these established relationships across the interface this work provides a model for sustainable collaboration on future shared care work.
Clinical Pharmacy Services
V. Mureddu, G. Ledda, G. Adamu, M. Rivano, A. Cadeddu. Hospital Pharmacy Department, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria, Cagliari.
Mifepristone and misoprostol are provided for Voluntary Pregnancy Interruption (VPI) and Spontaneous Miscarriage (SM) according to different reimbursement schemes, based on different gestational age. According to Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC), the use of mifepristone and misoprostol is approved only within the first 63 days of pregnancy. Recently, access to treatment for VPI and SM has been extended by the Italian Medicines Agency by the I trimester of pregnancy. VPI within the first 49 days of gestation, the use of mifepristone and misoprostol is authorized according to SPCs. From 50th to 63th days is guaranteed under the law 649/96, that allows and reimburses the use of medicines for off-label indications. From 63th to 90th is considered an off-label prescription. Regarding SM, mifepristone and misoprostol can be used within the I trimester under the law 648/96. All these different reimbursement schemes are used as part of the Italian pricing-reimbursement system.
To ensure appropriateness, a specific prescription form has been drafted to support clinicians in prescribing according to the correct reimbursement scheme gestational age, therapeutic indication and dosage must be reported in the prescription form.
The development of the prescription form required a deep knowledge of both the law under which the right of abortion is guaranteed and Italian reimbursement schemes. The prescription form was introduced in October 2022.
Prescriptions of all pharmacological treatments are ordinarily made through electronic software; therefore the prescription form was uploaded. Prescriptions from 01/01/2024 to 30/06/2024 were collected and retrospectively analyzed.
Prescription forms analysis showed that a total of 83 women were treated. In 53 cases the treatment was used for VPI and in 30 for SM. In 27% of cases, prescriptions were considered as per in-label. In 66% cases, prescriptions were allowed according to Law 648/96. In 7% of cases, prescriptions were off-label.
According to the development of reimbursement schemes, the prescription form will be implemented. Italy provides universal coverage for all citizens and residents; keeping it sustainable is one of the hardest challenges of these day. The contribution of hospital pharmacists in monitoring prescriptions has a pivotal role in making equal access to these treatments.
