Evaluation of an Online Dementia Training Program to Reduce Antipsychotic Medication Use in a Nursing Home

Using the Kirkpatrick Model as a framework, the current program evaluation was performed to examine the effect of an online dementia training program on the rate of antipsychotic medication use in a nursing home. Antipsychotic medication use before program implementation was compared to use post-implementation. Run charts and a Wilcoxon analysis were used to look for trends or variances in antipsychotic medication use before and after implementation of the program. A nonrandom reduction was noted, and a statistically significant difference was noted in the percentage of residents receiving antipsychotic medications in the 6-month data prior to the training compared to the 6-month data after initial training (p = 0.026). Staff were satisfied with the training program and learning was noted, as evidenced by staff being able to list behaviors using the CARES^® approach. Fully embedding the training into facility culture will need to be examined by facility administration. [Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49(7), 5-8.].