An Online Training Program to Reduce Antipsychotic Medication Use in Nursing Homes: The CARES Method

The objective of this Pragmatic Innovation article is to present a case study examining whether an online, asynchronous staff dementia care training program (CARES) was associated with reductions in the use of antipsychotic medications and improved staff perceptions in a New Mexico residential long-term care setting. Staff at Lakeview Christian nursing home began using the CARES Dementia 5-Step Method-Complete Catalog online training and certification program in 2019. The asynchronous, scalable CARES online dementia care modules were implemented successfully and sustained at Lakeview Christian as a core strategy to reduce antipsychotic medication use. The reductions in antipsychotic medication use at Lakeview Christian were more pronounced than those in peer nursing homes in New Mexico during the CARES implementation period (2019-2024). Various elements of CARES appeared to drive its implementation success, including its flexibility and self-paced module delivery, its comprehensive focus on behaviors, and its alignment with Lakeview Christian's culture and its focus on reducing antipsychotic medication use. The implementation process of CARES also highlighted the need for person-centered dementia care education, training, and principles for prescribing physicians.