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An effective approach to decrease antipsychotic and benzodiazepine use in nursing homes: the RedUSe project

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 00:30 authored by Juanita BreenJuanita Breen, Shane JacksonShane Jackson, Peter GeePeter Gee, Gregory PetersonGregory Peterson
Background: This study evaluated a multi-faceted, interdisciplinary intervention to reduce the use of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics in nursing homes – the “RedUSe” (Reducing Use of Sedatives) project. Methods: The RedUSe project was a controlled trial conducted in 25 nursing homes in Tasmania, with 13 intervention and 12 control homes. A series of pharmacist-led strategies were provided to intervention homes including two medication audit and feedback cycles, educational sessions for staff and an interdisciplinary sedative review. Data on psychotropic drug use at each nursing home were collected utilizing a customized computer program at baseline, 12 and 26 weeks. The RedUSe project was registered as a controlled trial at the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, registration number: ACTRN12608000221358. Results: For each measure, an average of 1591 residents were audited. Over the six-month trial, there was a significant reduction in the percentage of intervention home residents regularly taking benzodiazepines (31.8% to 26.9%, p < 0.005) and antipsychotics (20.3% to 18.6%, p < 0.05), whereas control home psychotropic use did not alter significantly. For residents taking benzodiazepines and antipsychotics at baseline, there were significantly more dose reductions/cessations in intervention homes than in control homes (benzodiazepines: 39.6% vs. 17.6%, p < 0.0001; antipsychotics: 36.9% vs. 20.9%, p < 0.01). Conclusions: RedUSe led to a significant reduction in the proportion of residents in nursing homes taking benzodiazepines and antipsychotics, and a significant increase in the number of dose reductions of these agents. Our findings suggest that a multi-faceted program, coordinated through a community pharmacy, can offer an effective approach in reducing psychotropic use in nursing homes.

History

Publication title

International Psychogeriatrics: The Official Journal of The Interntional Psychogeriatric Association

Volume

22

Pagination

26-36

ISSN

1041-6102

Department/School

School of Pharmacy and Pharmacology

Publisher

Springer Publishing Co

Place of publication

536 Broadway, New York, USA, NY, 10012

Rights statement

Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2009

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Clinical health not elsewhere classified

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