Journal of the American Medical Directors Association
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Randomized Controlled Trial Multicenter Study
An educational intervention on drug use in nursing homes improves health outcomes resource utilization and reduces inappropriate drug prescription.
Inappropriate drug prescription is a common problem in people living in nursing homes and is linked to adverse health outcomes. This study assessed the effect of an educational intervention directed to nursing home physicians in reducing inappropriate prescription and improving health outcomes and resource utilization. ⋯ An educational intervention on drug use is feasible in nursing home physicians and improves the use of inappropriate drugs, use of antipsychotics, and drug duplications in their residents. It may also improve the risk of delirium and falls, and reduce the use of health care resources.
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Use of hospice has been associated with improved outcomes for nursing home residents and attitudes of nursing home staff toward hospice influences hospice referral. The objective of this study is to describe attitudes of certified nursing assistants (CNAs), nurses, and social workers toward hospice care in nursing homes. ⋯ A majority of staff responded favorably regarding hospice care in nursing homes. About one-third of nursing home staff rated coordination of care lower than other aspects, and many qualitative comments highlighted examples of when hospice was not responsive to patient needs, representing important opportunities for improvement.
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Multicenter Study
Use of antipsychotic drugs among residents with dementia in European long-term care facilities: results from the SHELTER study.
Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are common reasons for use of antipsychotic drugs among older individuals with dementia. These drugs are not approved for such use and both the Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency have issued warnings to limit such use. ⋯ Despite recommendations to avoid the use of antipsychotic drugs in patients with dementia, a large proportion of residents in European long-term care facilities continue to receive such agents. Future work should not only establish the appropriateness of such use through outcomes studies, but explore withdrawal strategies as well as alternative treatment modalities.