[From research to practice: self-learning course "Psychotropic drugs in residential geriatric care" PhasaPII project]

Care facilities in Germany report a high use of psychotropic drugs among residents with dementia. Nurses are primarily responsible for the care of residents, which is why expertise in dealing with people with dementia, non-drug strategies for challenging behavior and psychotropic drugs as long-term or on-demand medication should be strengthened.

Based on a practical analysis in nursing homes, the application-oriented PhasaPII project developed a self-study course for care teams on the knowledge-based use of psychotropic drugs as long-term or on-demand medication and alternative courses of action in residential long-term care. The self-study course "Psychotropic drugs in residential geriatric care" is available online and free of charge for caregivers.

Expert interviews with facility managers and nursing service managers and focus groups with nursing teams in seven cooperating facilities on the use of psychotropic drugs in inpatient long-term care formed the basis for the development of the course. The interviews and focus groups were evaluated using content analysis according to Mayring [22].

The qualitative survey shows a high need for specialist knowledge among carers of residents with dementia. The learning content is divided into 10 lessons so that participants can explore the complex topic of psychotropic drugs from different perspectives.

Collaboration with care facilities in the project was difficult due to staff shortages and time constraints. The self-study course is a building block for the responsible management of medication for residents with dementia.