For reasons that are understandable yet hard to countenance, antipsychotic drugs are widely used in nursing homes. Too often over-used, according to government statistics. But it’s beginning to look...
Top 5 news stories reveal varied interests among long-term care professionals
By
John O'Connor
Jan 03, 2014
What do neck abnormalities, dangerous bacteria, a murder-suicide, a defensive nursing home chain, and antipsychotic guidelines have in common? These five developments were voted the most popular news stories...
Such a bargain: 2013 closeout has plenty of concerns
By
James M. Berklan
Dec 18, 2013
If you’re feeling the suction of the end-of-year vortex grabbing you, you’re certainly not alone. Whether it’s holiday preparations, work deadlines, challenging weather or a combination...
Reducing antipsychotics one resident at a time
By
John O'Connor
Dec 02, 2013
Like many bad habits, the overuse of antipsychotics is not going down without a fight. Still, there are reasons for long-term optimism.
A tough retirement nest egg, the whistle-blowing way
By
James M. Berklan
Nov 07, 2013
Two big reactions hit me when news of Johnson & Johnson’s $2.2 billion Risperdal settlement with the government landed this week. First, J&J probably made a lot more than it’s paying out and,...
Sorting out the antipsychotic quality measures
By
Steven Littlehale
Mar 05, 2013
While antipsychotic measurements can vary, providers must carefully and thoroughly examine all antipsychotic medication use in their facility.
Old wine, new bottles: Increased scrutiny for antipsychotic drug use
By
Alan C. Horowitz, Esq., RN
Feb 22, 2013
The landmark legislation known as “OBRA ’87” (the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1987) significantly limited the inappropriate use of antipsychotic drug use in long-term care facilities....
Testing our patience, er, patients with too many medical procedures
By
Elizabeth Newman
Sep 04, 2012
A few years ago, I got sick and didn’t get better, and eventually landed in the ER for being dehydrated. That begat weeks of X-rays, an endoscopy and countless tests, including one that revealed...
Antipsychotics exert a powerful and often irreversible change in healthy brain chemistry
By
Anthony Chicotel
Jul 30, 2012
A McKnight’s editor’s blog post showed a breathtaking lack of insight into the problem of antipsychotics in long-term care and the superiority of simple non-pharmacologic comfort-focused care.
Antipsychotics report will have severe side effects
By
John O'Connor
Jul 13, 2012
Antipsychotic drugs are often used to calm residents with dementia. This reality is common knowledge among most people who have spent more than a few minutes in a nursing facility. But it is apparently...