Patterns of Antipsychotic Use in Belgian Nursing Homes 2017-2022: Admission is a Decision Point

Chronic antipsychotic use among nursing home (NH) residents carries risks with uncertain benefits. Despite guidelines recommending restricted use, these agents remain widely prescribed. This study investigates chronic antipsychotic use in Belgian NHs.

We examined the evolution of chronic antipsychotic use, associated NH resident profiles, impact of NH admissions, and variation among Belgian NHs in a retrospective dynamic cohort study between 2017 and 2022.

Antipsychotic dispensation rates were extracted for members of the Independent Health Insurance Funds in NHs. Prescription trends and resident profiles were evaluated for around 15,000 residents yearly (n = 14,733-15,451) from 2017 to 2022 and variation was assessed among 59 NHs. The impact of NH admission was analyzed for 9647 admissions between 2020 and 2022, and variation was evaluated among 22 NHs.

For 22 antipsychotics identified at the ATC3 level, chronic use was defined as ≥80 defined daily doses (DDD) and/or ≥16 weekly dispensations per year. We analyzed changes in the 4 most frequently used antipsychotics (haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone) on NH admission, with chronic use defined as ≥80 minimal prescribed doses (MPD) annually.

The prevalence of chronic antipsychotic use among NH residents decreased from 24% in 2017 to 22.5% in 2022 (P = .002). Factors associated with higher antipsychotic use included younger age, greater dependency, and lower socioeconomic status. Upon NH admission, 30% (n = 818 of 2723) of residents discontinued treatment, while in 33% (n = 949 of 2854) treatment was initiated, predominantly with quetiapine or risperidone. This led to a small but significant increase of 1.4% after admission (P < .001). Defining chronic use as ≥80 MPD annually appeared to be more sensitive in measuring chronic antipsychotic use.

Chronic antipsychotic use remains widespread in Belgian NHs, with care transition as an important decision point. Further research should explore effects of safer (de)prescribing strategies on patient well-being.