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Prescribing conventional antipsychotics at two Veterans Administration hospitals: are there geographical differences?
P S Masand1, M Arora, T L Schwartz
1Department of Psychiatry, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA. pmasand@netscape.net
CNS Spectrums
|August 26, 2004
Summary
Physicians often continued conventional antipsychotics due to good patient response or choice, without discussing alternatives. Geographic variations in prescribing practices for these antipsychotic medications were observed among Veterans Affairs hospitals.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Conventional antipsychotics remain a cornerstone in managing psychotic disorders.
- Understanding prescribing patterns is crucial for optimizing patient care and resource allocation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the reasons for continuing conventional antipsychotic treatment in a Veterans Affairs (VA) population.
- To identify geographic variations in prescribing practices for antipsychotic medications.
- To assess physician-patient communication regarding antipsychotic therapy.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 110 patients on conventional antipsychotics.
- Data collected from two geographically distinct VA hospitals.
- Analysis of documented reasons for treatment continuation and physician-patient discussions.
Main Results:
- Good patient response and patient or physician choice were the primary reasons for continuing conventional antipsychotics.
- Physicians frequently did not discuss continuation rationale or alternative therapies with patients.
- Significant geographic differences in prescribing practices were identified.
Conclusions:
- Treatment continuation decisions for conventional antipsychotics are often based on perceived efficacy and patient/physician preference.
- There is a need to improve communication regarding antipsychotic medication choices and alternatives.
- Geographic variations highlight potential inconsistencies in care delivery for antipsychotic management.
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