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Clinical outcomes of reducing the use of sedatives in residents of aged care facilities

conference contribution
posted on 2023-05-24, 14:35 authored by Daniel HoyleDaniel Hoyle, Juanita BreenJuanita Breen, Ivan BindoffIvan Bindoff, Gregory PetersonGregory Peterson

For over 30 years, research has consistently shown that there is excessive usage of sedatives (predominantly antipsychotic and benzodiazepine medication) in many residential aged care facilities (RACFs). These agents only offer modest clinical benefits, yet can be associated with severe adverse effects.

Currently, the “Reducing the Use of Sedatives” (RedUSe) project is being expanded nationally to improve the use of these medications in RACFs. Additionally, clinical and economic research components will measure the impact that reducing sedative medication has on residents, RACF professional staff and government costs.

This abstract describes the rationale for including a clinical research component in the expansion of this project.

Sedative medications are commonly prescribed for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). Considering that BPSD can cause distress and interruptions to work, RACF staff are often reluctant to reduce sedative use, fearing symptom recurrence. Research into the effect that sedative reduction has on BPSD is inconsistent. Thus, future investigations need to reliably assess the incidence and severity of BPSD upon sedative reduction and determine risk-factors for BPSD relapse.

Fall-related injuries are associated with significant cost, morbidity and mortality. Although sedative use has been highlighted as a risk factor for falls, conflicting research has made it unclear whether sedative reduction diminishes the rates of falls.

Potential deterioration in quality of life (QoL) is perhaps the most common barrier to sedative reduction among doctors and nursing staff. However, research has failed to identify significant changes in QoL upon sedative reduction. Further investigation may help to dispel fears of nursing staff and doctors.

It has been suggested sedative reduction has the potential to improve social engagement. However, limitations in methodology have prevented the discovery of a causal relationship without further research.

The clinical outcomes of the RedUSe project will be reported following the completion of this investigation.

History

Department/School

School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Event title

Tasmanian Health Science HDR Student Conference

Event Venue

Hobart, Tasmania

Date of Event (Start Date)

2014-01-01

Date of Event (End Date)

2014-01-01

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Health related to ageing

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