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Psychoactive drugs in seven nursing homes
Kjell Krüger1, Malin Folkestad, Jonn-Terje Geitung
1Løvåsen Teaching Nursing Home, Municipality of Bergen, Norway. kjell.kruger@gmail.com
Primary Health Care Research & Development
|July 12, 2012
Summary
Nursing home residents show significant variations in medication use, with those having reduced cognitive function receiving fewer drugs overall, except for neuroleptics. Quality improvement strategies are needed to address these psychoactive drug treatment differences.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Pharmacology
- Health Services Research
- Psychiatric Pharmacy
Background:
- Polypharmacy and variations in drug prescriptions are common among nursing home residents.
- Cognitive impairment significantly influences medication management in elderly populations.
- Understanding current prescribing patterns is crucial for optimizing patient care in long-term facilities.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify variations in drug treatment across different nursing homes.
- To determine the most frequently prescribed drug classes for long-term nursing home patients.
- To investigate the prevalence of specific drug groups and their association with cognitive function.
Main Methods:
- Data from 513 patients across seven nursing homes in Bergen, Norway, were collected.
- Medication records, patient weight, cognitive status, and blood samples were analyzed.
- Electrocardiography and stroke history were also recorded for comprehensive patient assessment.
Main Results:
- Significant differences in drug prescription percentages and Defined Daily Dosages were observed between nursing homes.
- Patients with reduced cognitive function received fewer medications overall, excluding neuroleptics.
- Antidepressants (41.5%), neuroleptics (24.4%), and opioids (35.0%) were frequently administered; 30.0% of neuroleptic users were on multiple psychotropic drugs.
Conclusions:
- Substantial disparities in psychoactive drug treatment exist among Norwegian nursing homes.
- Patients with cognitive impairment were prescribed fewer cardiovascular drugs, with reasons yet to be elucidated.
- Utilizing drug prescription proportions can enhance quality improvement systems in long-term care settings.
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