The AFFIRMO Project Consortium convened for a pivotal two-day meeting at Ghent University Hospital on May 22–23, 2025, bringing together al consortium partners to assess progress and chart the path forward in their mission to improve care for frail, multimorbid, and polymedicated older adults with atrial fibrillation (AF).

The meeting opened with a warm welcome from project coordinators Søren Paske from Aalborg University and Mirko Petrovic from Ghent University, followed by a comprehensive overview of the project’s progress over the past year. Work Package (WP) leaders presented updates across multiple domains, including clinical trial progress, health economic analyses, and patient engagement strategies.

Progress and collaboration at the forefront

Throughout the sessions, work package leaders presented significant advancements across clinical, economic, and communication domains. Notably, the update on the randomized controlled trial (RCT) led by Aldo Pietro Maggioni highlighted encouraging progress in patient recruitment and trial implementation—key pillars for validating AFFIRMO’s integrated care model.

Health economic analyses, presented by Martin O’Flaherty, provided valuable insights into the cost-effectiveness of interventions, while communication and dissemination efforts were reinforced through presentations by WP9 leaders and a dedicated session with the European Health and Digital Executive Agency.

Spotlight on clustering and synergies

A standout moment of the meeting was the clustering activity, which showcased the AFFIRMO project’s commitment to cross-project collaboration. Dr. Kieran Dalton from University College Cork presented the OPTIMATE trial, a complementary initiative focused on optimizing medication in elderly hospitalized patients. The session sparked dynamic discussions on shared methodologies and potential synergies, reinforcing the value of transdisciplinary approaches in tackling complex healthcare challenges.

Strategic outlook and innovation

The consortium also engaged in an exploitation workshop led by Moverim, where partners explored strategies for ensuring the long-term impact and sustainability of AFFIRMO’s outcomes. Ethical considerations were addressed in a session led by Prof. Nicholas Freemantle, emphasising the importance of responsible research practices.

A forward-looking session on AFFIRMO’s legacy and a vibrant “Soap-box” segment featuring student presentations added a fresh perspective, highlighting the project’s role in nurturing future leaders in healthcare innovation.

We look forward to future updates from the project members and the experts collaborating with AFFIRMO, as well as the continued progress it will bring to AF research and care.