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Does hospitalisation affect hypnotic and anxiolytic drug prescribing?
Philippe Fagnoni1, Samuel Limat, Emmanuel Haffen
1Department of Pharmacy, University Hospital of Besançon, Boulevard Fleming, Besancon, 25030, France.
Pharmacy World & Science : PWS
|March 21, 2007
Summary
Hospitalisation significantly impacts hypnotic and anxiolytic (HA) drug use, increasing prescriptions during stays and showing persistent use post-discharge. This highlights a need to reassess HA prescribing strategies in hospital settings.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Hospital Pharmacy
- Public Health
Background:
- Hospitalisation can influence patient treatment patterns, particularly for medications like hypnotics and anxiolytics (HA).
- Understanding the impact of hospital stays on HA drug prescription is crucial for patient care and medication management.
- Previous research has not fully elucidated the longitudinal effects of hospitalisation on HA drug utilisation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To quantify the effect of hospitalisation on the prescription of hypnotic and anxiolytic (HA) drugs.
- To assess HA drug usage patterns during and after a hospitalisation period.
- To evaluate the persistence of HA treatment initiated during hospitalisation.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive study design was employed, evaluating HA treatment presence before, during, and after hospitalisation (three-month follow-up).
- Data were collected via structured interviews during hospitalisation and postal questionnaires post-discharge.
- The study included adult in-patients at the University Hospital of Besançon, France, excluding specific units.
Main Results:
- HA drug usage increased significantly from pre-hospitalisation (33%) to during hospitalisation (51%).
- A decrease in HA usage was observed post-discharge (43%) compared to during hospitalisation (51%).
- The study identified a 5.35% overall persistence of HA treatment initiated during hospitalisation.
Conclusions:
- Hospitalisation exerts a significant influence on hypnotic and anxiolytic (HA) drug use, including delayed prescription patterns.
- Findings suggest a need for hospital prescribers to re-evaluate HA treatment strategies for sleep disorders.
- Recommendations include improving patient accommodation, establishing consensus on HA prescription justification, and clarifying the nursing team's role.
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