[Drug consumption among residents of nursing homes. Changes during the first 3 months]

Five nursing homes in Bergen participated in a study of drug consumption by patients admitted for a long-term stay. The investigation was performed on admission and again after three months. During the first six months of 1991, 83 patients were admitted for a long term stay. The median drug consumption was 3.0 drugs on both occasions. On admission 8%, and after three months 3%, did not use any drug. 27%, respectively 24%, used five different drugs or more. Laxatives, diuretics, vitamins, analgetics and antipsychotic drugs were the most frequently used drugs. During the period of the study there was no change in total drug consumption. However, after three months, demented patients were treated significantly more frequently with antipsychotic drugs. Furthermore, the probability of being treated with an antipsychotic was five times higher in institutions where the physician was not engaged full time in geriatric medicine.