Study: Focusing on neurology — not just psychiatry — helps cut antipsychotic use in SNF residents
By
Kristen Fischer
Sep 29, 2023
A neurology-focused effort to reduce antipsychotic drugs in skilled nursing facilities lowered usage by 68% in people with behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, according to a new report published...
Use caution in antipsychotics reduction
By
G. Allen Power, M.D.
Sep 22, 2014
It is true that I began speaking out about the misuse of antipsychotics drugs long before they came to national attention. But as I applaud the efforts of our providers and regulators around this important...
CMS must refine data on antipsychotic drug use in nursing homes, OIG says
By
Alicia Lasek
May 07, 2021
The Minimum Data Set should not be CMS’ sole source for determining the number of nursing home residents using antipsychotic drugs, according to a new report from HHS’ Office of the Inspector General.
GAO has good points in how, why antipsychotics are given
By
Elizabeth Newman
Mar 04, 2015
The government recognizes the progress made in nursing homes with reduction of antipsychotics for residents with dementia, but also notes many who live in assisted living are receiving the drugs. It’s...
Rate drops for antipsychotics
By
James M. Berklan
Mar 04, 2015
Industry leaders were pleasantly surprised to learn that nursing home operators had exceeded goals for lowering unnecessary antipsychotics use. The level dropped by nearly 20% over a three-year span.
Avoid antipsychotic use to lessen stroke risk in Alzheimer’s patients: study
By
Alicia Lasek
Oct 29, 2021
The increased odds of experiencing a stroke within 60 days of starting treatment suggests that even short-term antipsychotic use should be avoided if possible, investigators contend.
Collaborative model helps reduce antipsychotic drug use
By
Alicia Lasek
Jun 25, 2020
Training and support leads to discontinuation of antipsychotic meds in residents who do not have a diagnosis of psychosis or mental health issues, researchers have found. Notably, behavioral symptoms did...
Looking at dementia beyond drugs and disease
By
G. Allen Power, M.D.
Aug 01, 2014
The emerging literature on “nonpharmacological interventions” has not succeeded in providing long-term solutions for many people, such that expressions of need continue to recur on a regular...
Pandemic bump in antipsychotics use raises questions about long-term care outcomes
By
Danielle Brown
Apr 12, 2022
The findings raise questions about the short- and long-term effects on the quality of care and health outcomes for residents, the authors say.
Assisted living residents with dementia receiving too many antipsychotics, GAO says
By
John Hall
Mar 03, 2015
Government investigators are calling for greater scrutiny of antipsychotics use among dementia patients in post-acute settings beyond nursing homes.