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Sluggett JK, Caughey GE, Air T, Cations M, Lang CE, Ward SA, Ahern S, Lin X, Wallis K, Crotty M, Inacio MC. National surveillance using a clinical quality indicator for prolonged antipsychotic use among older Australians with dementia who access aged care services. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2024; 39:e6089. [PMID: 38676658 DOI: 10.1002/gps.6089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/29/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Dementia guidelines recommend antipsychotics are only used for behavioral and psychological symptoms when non-drug interventions fail, and to regularly review use. Population-level clinical quality indicators (CQIs) for dementia care in permanent residential aged care (PRAC) typically monitor prevalence of antipsychotic use but not prolonged use. This study aimed to develop a CQI for antipsychotic use >90 days and examine trends, associated factors, and variation in CQI incidence; and examine duration of the first episode of use among individuals with dementia accessing home care packages (HCPs) or PRAC. METHODS Retrospective cohort study, including older individuals with dementia who accessed HCPs (n = 50,257) or PRAC (n = 250,196). Trends in annual CQI incidence (2011-12 to 2015-16) and associated factors were determined using Poisson regression. Funnel plots examined geographical and facility variation. Time to antipsychotic discontinuation was estimated among new antipsychotic users accessing HCP (n = 2367) and PRAC (n = 15,597) using the cumulative incidence function. RESULTS Between 2011-12 and 2015-16, antipsychotic use for >90 days decreased in HCP recipients from 10.7% (95% CI 10.2-11.1) to 10.1% (95% CI 9.6-10.5, adjusted incidence rate ratio (aIRR) 0.97 (95% CI 0.95-0.98)), and in PRAC residents from 24.5% (95% CI 24.2-24.7) to 21.8% (95% CI 21.5-22.0, aIRR 0.97 (95% CI 0.96-0.98)). Prior antipsychotic use (both cohorts) and being male and greater socioeconomic disadvantage (PRAC cohort) were associated with higher CQI incidence. Little geographical/facility variation was observed. Median treatment duration in HCP and PRAC was 334 (interquartile range [IQR] 108-958) and 555 (IQR 197-1239) days, respectively. CONCLUSIONS While small decreases in antipsychotic use >90 days were observed between 2011-12 and 2015-16, findings suggest antipsychotic use among aged care recipients with dementia can be further minimized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janet K Sluggett
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Gillian E Caughey
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Tracy Air
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Monica Cations
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Catherine E Lang
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Stephanie A Ward
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales, Australia
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Susannah Ahern
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Xiaoping Lin
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Kasey Wallis
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Maria Crotty
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, SA Health, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
| | - Maria C Inacio
- University of South Australia, UniSA Allied Health and Human Performance, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
- Registry of Senior Australians (ROSA), South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia
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Howe J, Lindsey L. The role of pharmacists in supporting service users to optimise antipsychotic medication. Int J Clin Pharm 2023; 45:1293-1298. [PMID: 37704913 PMCID: PMC10600309 DOI: 10.1007/s11096-023-01630-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Pharmacists have a contribution to make in improving optimising medication use for people on antipsychotic medication. The rates of prescribing antipsychotics have increased in England with an 18% rise from 2015 to 2020. People on antipsychotic medication are not treated as equal partners in conversations about their medications. This can leave people to make decisions about their antipsychotic medications without input from their prescribers which can have significant consequences for individuals. Involving people in the decision-making process, as experts on their own condition, has the potential to improve treatment outcomes. The evidence suggests that involving pharmacists in supporting people with serious mental illnesses will lead to improved clinical outcomes. Key areas for pharmacist involvement are providing information, education and counselling on antipsychotic medication and the side effects and reducing polypharmacy especially when antipsychotics are prescribed off license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Howe
- School of Pharmacy, Aston University, Birmingham, B4 7ET, England.
| | - Laura Lindsey
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 7RU, England
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Cain P, Chejor P, Porock D. Chemical restraint as behavioural euthanasia: case studies from the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety. BMC Geriatr 2023; 23:444. [PMID: 37468889 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-023-04116-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prescription of psychotropic medication to older people living with dementia in residential aged care has become an increasing concern. The use of prescription medication is often prefaced as a way of preventing harm to self and others. However, the use of such medications has been considered a way of managing some of the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. Using a large secondary data set, this study aimed to identify the precursors and mediating factors that influence the use of chemical restraint of older people in residential aged care. METHODS Publicly available documents from the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety were used as the data corpus for this study. Keywords were used to search over 7000 documents to extract a set of topic-related content. We identified the cases of seven people in respite or permanent residential aged care who had been prescribed or administered psychotropic medication under circumstances that appeared to demonstrate chemical restraint. All documents relating to the cases were collated for our data set. A descriptive case study approach to analysis was taken. RESULTS Four key descriptive patterns were identified: labelling and limits to tolerance, pushing prescription as a solution, coverups and avoiding consent, and family's fight for liberty. Triangulation across the data and academic literature supports the findings. CONCLUSION Our findings provide some insight into how chemical restrain happens. Featuring throughout the cases were reports of a lack of workforce capacity to care for and support residents exhibiting dementia behaviours. Prescription of psychotropic medications featured as a "first resort" care solution. Family and friends found such approaches to care unacceptable and frequently challenged the practice. Where consent for prescription was explicitly denied, more covert approaches are demonstrated. Family awareness, presence, and advocacy were key to challenging the practice of chemical restraint. Shortfalls in the capacity of the current workforce come into play here. However, workforce shortcomings can no longer mask this ubiquitous practice. Just as importantly the spotlight needs to be turned on the prescribers and the providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Cain
- Centre for Research in Aged Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, 6027, Joondalup, WA, Australia.
| | - Pelden Chejor
- Centre for Research in Aged Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, 6027, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Davina Porock
- Centre for Research in Aged Care, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Edith Cowan University, 270 Joondalup Drive, 6027, Joondalup, WA, Australia
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Couzner L, Spence N, Fausto K, Huo Y, Vale L, Elkins S, Saltis J, Cations M. Delivering Trauma-Informed Care in a Hospital Ward for Older Adults With Dementia: An Illustrative Case Series. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:934099. [PMID: 36188945 PMCID: PMC9397751 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.934099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
IntroductionUp to 70% of older adults have experienced a psychologically traumatic event in their life. Traumatic events can have lifelong effects on functioning and emotion regulation and can affect behavior and experiences in care settings. Common healthcare practices and environments can be re-traumatizing for trauma survivors. These features may trigger behavior change (e.g., aggression and agitation) particularly after the onset of dementia. However, very little research exists to understand how the effects of traumatic events manifest in aged care settings. Trauma-informed care is a framework in which the potential impact of trauma is acknowledged, and practices and procedures are adapted to maximize feelings of control and safety for the patient. Trauma-informed care is an innovative approach with little published evidence in acute geriatric settings.MethodsWe present a series of cases to demonstrate how psychological trauma can affect the experience of inpatient care for older people. The cases detail the patients' relevant background, triggers and behaviors followed by the steps taken by staff to support the patient and respond to their trauma-related needs. These cases describe how the principles of trauma-informed care can be applied to recognize when past psychologically traumatic events are impacting the older adult in hospital. The outcomes of these interventions are reported on in terms of their impact on challenging behavior, patient experiences and satisfaction with care, and/or staff confidence and skill.FindingsA range of past events negatively impacted the patients during their time in hospital, including childhood abuse, military service, and domestic violence. Staff implemented strategies to accommodate trauma-related needs while providing care that improved safety and reduced patient distress. Principles of trauma-informed care were applied where able, including providing choices and enabling autonomy. However, organizational and environmental features of inpatient wards continued to pose risks for re-traumatisation.ConclusionsTrauma-informed care is an under-utilized yet potentially beneficial approach to care for older adults in the hospital setting. The cases detailed here demonstrated that the impact of psychological trauma requires an individualized response from staff which when effectively implemented can promote staff and patient safety, reduce the risk of re-traumatisation, and minimize adverse events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah Couzner
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Natalie Spence
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Karina Fausto
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Yan Huo
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Lynn Vale
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Samantha Elkins
- Southern Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Johanna Saltis
- Central Adelaide Local Health Network, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Monica Cations
- College of Education, Psychology and Social Work, Flinders University, Adelaide, SA, Australia
- *Correspondence: Monica Cations
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Sexton CE, Anstey KJ, Baldacci F, Barnum CJ, Barron AM, Blennow K, Brodaty H, Burnham S, Elahi FM, Götz J, Jeon YH, Koronyo-Hamaoui M, Landau SM, Lautenschlager NT, Laws SM, Lipnicki DM, Lu H, Masters CL, Moyle W, Nakamura A, Pasinetti GM, Rao N, Rowe C, Sachdev PS, Schofield PR, Sigurdsson EM, Smith K, Srikanth V, Szoeke C, Tansey MG, Whitmer R, Wilcock D, Wong TY, Bain LJ, Carrillo MC. Alzheimer's disease research progress in Australia: The Alzheimer's Association International Conference Satellite Symposium in Sydney. Alzheimers Dement 2022; 18:178-190. [PMID: 34058063 PMCID: PMC9396711 DOI: 10.1002/alz.12380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The Alzheimer's Association International Conference held its sixth Satellite Symposium in Sydney, Australia in 2019, highlighting the leadership of Australian researchers in advancing the understanding of and treatment developments for Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias. This leadership includes the Australian Imaging, Biomarker, and Lifestyle Flagship Study of Ageing (AIBL), which has fueled the identification and development of many biomarkers and novel therapeutics. Two multimodal lifestyle intervention studies have been launched in Australia; and Australian researchers have played leadership roles in other global studies in diverse populations. Australian researchers have also played an instrumental role in efforts to understand mechanisms underlying vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia; and through the Women's Healthy Aging Project have elucidated hormonal and other factors that contribute to the increased risk of AD in women. Alleviating the behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia has also been a strong research and clinical focus in Australia.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kaarin J. Anstey
- University of New South Wales and Neuroscience Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Filippo Baldacci
- Unit of Neurology, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
- GRC n° 21, Alzheimer Precision Medicine (APM), AP-HP, Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital, Sorbonne University, Paris, France
| | | | - Anna M. Barron
- Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Kaj Blennow
- Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, The Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Clinical Neurochemistry Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Mölndal, Sweden
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Samantha Burnham
- CSIRO Health & Biosecurity, The Australian e-Health Research Centre, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Fanny M. Elahi
- Memory and Aging Center, Weill Institute for NeurosciencesUniversity of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jürgen Götz
- Clem Jones Centre for Ageing Dementia Research (CJCADR), Queensland Brain Institute (QBI), The University of Queensland, St Lucia Campus (Brisbane), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Yun-Hee Jeon
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Maya Koronyo-Hamaoui
- Departments of Neurosurgery and Biomedical Sciences, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Susan M. Landau
- University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, USA
| | - Nicola T. Lautenschlager
- Academic Unit for Psychiatry of Old Age, Department of Psychiatry, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- North Western Mental Health, Royal Melbourne Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Simon M. Laws
- Collaborative Genomics and Translation Group, Edith Cowan University, Joondalup, WA, Australia
| | - Darren M. Lipnicki
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Hanzhang Lu
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Colin L. Masters
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Wendy Moyle
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Griffith, QLD, Australia
| | - Akinori Nakamura
- Department of Biomarker Research, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Obu, Japan
| | - Giulio Maria Pasinetti
- Department of Neurology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai (ISSMS), New York, New York, USA
| | - Naren Rao
- Department of Psychiatry, National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Bengaluru, India
| | - Christopher Rowe
- The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Molecular Imaging, Austin Health, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Perminder S. Sachdev
- Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Neuropsychiatric Institute, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Peter R. Schofield
- Neuroscience Research Australia, Sydney and School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Einar M. Sigurdsson
- Departments of Neuroscience and Physiology, and Psychiatry, Neuroscience Institute, New York University Grossman School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Kate Smith
- Centre for Aboriginal Medical and Dental Health, University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA, Australia
| | - Velandai Srikanth
- Peninsula Clinical School, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Malú G. Tansey
- Departments of Neuroscience and Neurology, Center for Translational Research in Neurodegenerative Disease, Normal Fixel Center for Neurological Diseases, University of Florida College of Medicine, Gainesville, Florida, USA
| | - Rachel Whitmer
- Department of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, Davis, California, USA
| | - Donna Wilcock
- Sanders-Brown Center on Aging and Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky College of Medicine, Lexington, Kentucky, USA
| | - Tien Y. Wong
- Singapore Eye Research Institute, Singapore National Eye Center, Duke-NUS Medical School, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lisa J. Bain
- Independent Science Writer, Elverson, Pennsylvania, USA
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Macfarlane S, Atee M, Morris T, Cunningham C. When responsive and reactive meet organic? Treatment implications of language use in the era of #BanBPSD. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2021; 36:1299-1303. [PMID: 33779007 PMCID: PMC8453926 DOI: 10.1002/gps.5545] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The aetiopathogenesis of behaviours and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) is often subjective, complex and multifaceted, produced by an array of contributing factors, including biomedical, psychological, environmental and/or social factors. Alongside other contributing factors, organic aetiology of BPSD should be considered when devising therapeutic management plans. Although considered last resort, time‐limited antipsychotic treatment (≤3 months) may have a vital adjunct role in managing intractable, refractory, distressing and/or life‐threatening BPSD, such as delusions and hallucinations; but only after person‐centred psychosocial interventions are exhausted and fail to deliver any therapeutic response. If prescribed, careful monitoring of therapeutic responses and adverse effects of antipsychotics with de‐prescribing plans should be a top priority, as these agents have limited efficacies and serious adverse outcomes (e.g., mortality).
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Macfarlane
- The Dementia CentreHammondCareSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia,Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health SciencesMonash UniversityClaytonVictoriaAustralia
| | - Mustafa Atee
- The Dementia CentreHammondCareWembleyWestern AustraliaAustralia,Curtin Medical SchoolFaculty of Health SciencesCurtin UniversityBentleyWestern AustraliaAustralia
| | - Thomas Morris
- The Dementia CentreHammondCareSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia
| | - Colm Cunningham
- The Dementia CentreHammondCareSt LeonardsNew South WalesAustralia,School of Public Health & Community MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNew South WalesAustralia
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Scuteri D, Sandrini G, Tamburin S, Corasaniti MT, Nicotera P, Tonin P, Bagetta G. Bergamot rehabilitation AgaINst agitation in dementia (BRAINAID): Study protocol for a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to assess the efficacy of furocoumarin-free bergamot loaded in a nanotechnology-based delivery system of the essential oil in the treatment of agitation in elderly affected by severe dementia. Phytother Res 2021; 35:5333-5338. [PMID: 34435395 PMCID: PMC9290822 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Pain is underdiagnosed and often not adequately treated, contributing to behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD). BPSD are treated with atypical antipsychotics that are associated with severe cerebrocardiovascular effects. Interestingly, treatment of pain may reduce agitation. Research is focusing on nonpharmacological treatment, such as aromatherapy, for pain and BPSD in dementia. This clinical study will assess the effect on agitation in severely demented elderly of BEO loaded in a nanotechnological odorless cream indistinguishable from placebo. This is a protocol for a randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial (NCT04321889). A total of 134 patients aged ≥65 years with severe dementia (mini‐mental state examination <12) will be recruited and randomly allocated 1:1 to either BEO or placebo group. After baseline screening, BEO (80 mg) cream or placebo cream will be trans‐dermally applied on both arms twice a day for 4 weeks with a 4‐week follow‐up period. The effect on agitation will be the primary endpoint. Any adverse events will be reported. A double‐blind, clinical trial evaluating efficacy and safety of an essential oil endowed with strong analgesic properties has never been carried out before. This study could form the basis for a safer and more effective treatment of BPSD in severe dementia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiana Scuteri
- Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy.,S. Anna Institute, Regional Center for Serious Brain Injuries, Crotone, Italy
| | - Giorgio Sandrini
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, IRCCS C. Mondino Foundation Neurologic Institute, Pavia, Italy
| | - Stefano Tamburin
- Department of Neurosciences, Biomedicine and Movement Sciences, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Tonin
- S. Anna Institute, Regional Center for Serious Brain Injuries, Crotone, Italy
| | - Giacinto Bagetta
- Pharmacotechnology Documentation and Transfer Unit, Preclinical and Translational Pharmacology, Department of Pharmacy, Health Science and Nutrition, University of Calabria, Rende, Italy
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Human Rights and Empowerment in Aged Care: Restraint, Consent and Dying with Dignity. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157899. [PMID: 34360196 PMCID: PMC8345762 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
The aged care system in Australia is in crisis and people living with dementia are especially vulnerable to breaches of human rights to autonomy, dignity, respect, and equitable access to the highest quality of health care including meeting needs on account of disability. To be powerful advocates for themselves and others, people with dementia and the wider community with vested interests in quality aged care must be informed about their rights and what should be expected from the system. Prior to the Australian Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, the Empowered Project was established to empower and raise awareness amongst people with dementia and their families about changed behaviours, chemical restraint, consent, end of life care, and security of tenure. A primary care-embedded health media campaign and national seminar tour were undertaken to meet the project aims of awareness-raising and empowerment, based on 10 Essential Facts about changed behaviours and rights for people with dementia, established as part of the project. Knowledge translation was assessed to examine the need and potential benefit of such seminars. We demonstrated that this brief educational engagement improved community knowledge of these issues and provided attendees with the information and confidence to question the nature and quality of care provision. With the completion of the Royal Commission and corresponding recommendations with government, we believe the community is ready to be an active player in reframing Australia’s aged care system with a human rights approach.
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Welberry HJ, Jorm LR, Schaffer AL, Barbieri S, Hsu B, Harris MF, Hall J, Brodaty H. Psychotropic medicine prescribing and polypharmacy for people with dementia entering residential aged care: the influence of changing general practitioners. Med J Aust 2021; 215:130-136. [PMID: 34198357 DOI: 10.5694/mja2.51153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2020] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine relationships between changing general practitioner after entering residential aged care and overall medicines prescribing (including polypharmacy) and that of psychotropic medicines in particular. DESIGN Retrospective data linkage study. SETTING, PARTICIPANTS 45 and Up Study participants in New South Wales with dementia who were PBS concession card holders and entered permanent residential aged care during January 2010 - June 2014 and were alive six months after entry. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Inverse probability of treatment-weighted numbers of medicines dispensed to residents and proportions of residents dispensed antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, and antidepressants in the six months after residential care entry, by most frequent residential care GP category: usual (same as during two years preceding entry), known (another GP, but known to the resident), or new GP. RESULTS Of 2250 new residents with dementia (mean age, 84.1 years; SD, 7.0 years; 1236 women [55%]), 625 most frequently saw their usual GPs (28%), 645 saw known GPs (29%), and 980 saw new GPs (44%). The increase in mean number of dispensed medicines after residential care entry was larger for residents with new GPs (+1.6 medicines; 95% CI, 1.4-1.9 medicines) than for those attended by their usual GPs (+0.7 medicines; 95% CI, 0.4-1.1 medicines; adjusted rate ratio, 2.42; 95% CI, 1.59-3.70). The odds of being dispensed antipsychotics (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.59; 95% CI, 1.18-2.12) or benzodiazepines (aOR, 1.69; 95% CI, 1.25-2.30), but not antidepressants (aOR, 1.32; 95% CI, 0.98-1.77), were also higher for the new GP group. Differences between the known and usual GP groups were not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS Increases in medicine use and rates of psychotropic dispensing were higher for people with dementia who changed GP when they entered residential care. Facilitating continuity of GP care for new residents and more structured transfer of GP care may prevent potentially inappropriate initiation of psychotropic medicines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi J Welberry
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | - Louisa R Jorm
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | - Andrea L Schaffer
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | - Sebastiano Barbieri
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | - Benjumin Hsu
- Centre for Big Data Research in Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | - Mark F Harris
- Centre for Primary Health Care and Equity, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | - John Hall
- University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
| | - Henry Brodaty
- Dementia Centre for Research Collaboration, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW.,Centre for Healthy Brain Ageing, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW
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10
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What is more important, the appropriateness or the rate of psychotropic prescription in aged care homes? Int Psychogeriatr 2021; 33:539-542. [PMID: 34173357 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610220001234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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11
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Waykar V, Wourms K, Bhat G, Farrow A. Antipsychotic use in dementia – local quality improvement initiative. PROGRESS IN NEUROLOGY AND PSYCHIATRY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/pnp.695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vijayendra Waykar
- Dr Waykar is an Old Age Consultant Psychiatrist at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston UK
| | - Katherine Wourms
- Ms Wourms is a Clinical Medical Assistant at Pilgrim Hospital, Boston UK
| | | | - Alison Farrow
- Ms Farrow is a CPN, Deputy Team Leader based at Holly Lodge, Skegness, all are part of psychiatric services at Lincolnshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust Lincoln UK
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Crystal S, Jarrín OF, Rosenthal M, Hermida R, Angell B. National Partnership to Improve Dementia Care in Nursing Homes Campaign: State and Facility Strategies, Impact, and Antipsychotic Reduction Outcomes. Innov Aging 2020; 4:igaa018. [PMID: 32699827 PMCID: PMC7365953 DOI: 10.1093/geroni/igaa018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Objectives Antipsychotic medications have been widely used in nursing homes to manage behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia, despite significantly increased mortality risk. Use grew rapidly during the 2000s, reaching 23.9% of residents by 2011. A national campaign for safer dementia care in U.S. nursing homes was launched in 2012, with public reporting of quality measures, increased regulatory scrutiny, and accompanying state and facility initiatives. By the second quarter of 2019, use had declined by 40.1% to 14.3%. We assessed the impact of state and facility initiatives during the Campaign aimed at encouraging more-judicious prescribing of antipsychotic medications. Research Design and Methods Our mixed-methods strategy integrated administrative and clinical data analyses with state and facility case studies. Results Results suggest that substantial change in prescribing is achievable through sustained, data-informed quality improvement initiatives integrating educational and regulatory interventions, supported by public quality reporting. Adequate staffing, particularly of registered nurses, is key to support individualized management of symptoms through nonpharmacological strategies. Case study results suggest that state and facility initiatives during the campaign achieved considerable buy-in for the goal of more conservative prescribing, through a social process of normalization. Reporting and reduction of antipsychotic use was not followed by increases in sedative-hypnotic medication use. Rather, sedative-hypnotic use declined in tandem with antipsychotic reduction, suggesting that increased attention to prescribing patterns led to more cautious use of other risky psychotropic medications. Discussion and Implications Quality improvement initiatives to change entrenched but problematic clinical practices face many barriers to success, including provider-level inertia; perceptions that alternatives are not available; and family and staff resistance. Nevertheless, systemic change is possible through concerted, collaborative efforts that touch prescribing practices at multiple points; integrate educational and regulatory influences; activate local and state champions for improvement; foster reputational influences through public reporting and benchmarking; and support a social process of normalization of preferred care processes as a best practice that is in the interest of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Crystal
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick.,School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
| | - Olga F Jarrín
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick.,School of Nursing, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, Newark
| | - Marsha Rosenthal
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
| | - Richard Hermida
- Institute for Health, Health Care Policy, and Aging Research, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick
| | - Beth Angell
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond
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We need to do better: most people with dementia living in aged care facilities use antipsychotics for too long, for off-label indications and without documented consent. Int Psychogeriatr 2020; 32:299-302. [PMID: 32192556 DOI: 10.1017/s104161022000006x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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