[Audit of prescribing practices in nursing homes. Many preparations but few serious interactions]

Information on all prescribed drugs to 112 patients in three nursing homes in the community of Malmoe and Trelleborg were analysed. The age of the patients was 84.5 years (mean) and number of prescribed drugs was 9.6 (mean). A computer program was used to analyse any interactions according to the Swedish Drug Compendium (FASS). Among 74 potential interactions only four were classified as clinically important, some of doubtful value in view of new data. Use of psychotropic drugs were investigated and judged for their appropriateness. Although 28% were given neuroleptic drugs, prescribed doses were moderate. To improve treatment and monitoring of antidepressive drugs, the need for use of rating scale for depression became obvious and was planned. To be worthwhile, any intention to change chronic drug therapy of patients in nursing homes must be carefully monitored for clinical effects over a sufficient time.