No abstract

There is excessive prescription of psychotropic drugs in Swedish nursing homes. Improved teamwork among caregivers can improve prescribing as defined by clinical guidelines.

Regular intervention conducted by a multidisciplinary team incorporating a pharmacist can effectively improve prescribing practices, increase staff knowledge about appropriate drug therapy in the elderly, and result in improved quality of care for nursing home residents.

No abstract

being in an institution had a stronger association with the use of certain drugs (e.g. psychotropics) than did dementia status. Demented people, especially those in institutions, used a large number of antipsychotics and opioids, but fewer laxatives and minor analgesics. Prescribers and institutional staff should be aware of these factors so they can optimize patient treatment.