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Johannessen A, Tevik K, Engedal K, Helvik AS. Health professionals' experience of nursing home residents' consumption of alcohol and use of psychotropic drugs. NORDIC STUDIES ON ALCOHOL AND DRUGS 2022; 38:161-174. [PMID: 35310007 PMCID: PMC8899075 DOI: 10.1177/1455072520961890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Nursing home (NH) residents are in most cases in older ages and use
prescription drugs. As alcohol interacts with many commonly
prescribed drugs, NH residents may be more vulnerable to the
effects of alcohol. Aim: To investigate the experiences of health professionals in Norwegian
NHs when it comes to residents' alcohol consumption and use of
psychotropic drugs, and the facilitation of such use in the
NH. Method: Focus-groups and individual interviews with NH health professionals
were performed in 2017 and 2018. The data were analysed using
content analysis. Findings: Two main themes emerged: (1) the balancing of alcohol consumption,
and (2) the use of psychotropic drugs. Each of these themes
involved reasoning, which revealed that the informants in
general had little attention regarding alcohol consumption among
residents, and few institutions had policies regarding serving
and consumption of alcohol. The informants reported an increased
attention regarding use of psychotropic drugs and a tendency
towards less use of psychotropic drugs among the residents than
before, but few informants reported use of standardised
observations tools of symptoms related to prescribing and
discontinuation of drugs. Conclusion: Alcohol policies or procedures related to alcohol consumption were
uncommon at the NH that the interviewees of this study
represented, and the professionals regarded infrequent serving
and consumption of alcohol among the residents as a part of
everyday life. In cases when residents frequently consumed
alcohol, the professionals used dialogue to underpin the
adherent risks and they also tried to control the consumption of
the resident in different ways. The interviewees were aware of
various side-effects of psychotropic drugs; they were also aware
of their effects in combination with alcohol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aud Johannessen
- Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway; and University of South-Eastern Norway
| | - Kjerstin Tevik
- Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway; and Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | | | - Anne-Sofie Helvik
- Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway; Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway; and St Olav's University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway
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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: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [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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Abstract
OBJECTIVES Nursing home (NH) residents with dementia is exposed to high rates of psychotropic prescriptions. Our objectives were to: (1) pool the prevalence estimates of psychotropic polypharmacy from the existing literature and (2) examine potentially influential factors that are related to a higher or lower prevalence. DESIGN Meta-analysis of data collected from randomized trials, quasi-experimental, prospective or retrospective cohort, and cross-sectional studies. English-language searches of PubMed and PsycINFO were completed by November 2020. Included studies reported prevalence estimates of psychotropic polypharmacy (i.e. defined as either two-or-more or three-or-more medications concurrently) in NH residents with dementia. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS NH residents with dementia. MEASUREMENTS Random-effects models were used to pool the prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy in NH residents with dementia across studies. Estimates were provided for both two-or-more and three-or-more concurrent medications. Heterogeneity and publication bias were measured. Meta-regression examined the influence of the percentage of the sample who were male, mean age of the sample, geographic region (continent), sample size, and study year on the prevalence of psychotropic polypharmacy. RESULTS Twenty-five unique articles were included comprising medications data from 92,370 NH residents with dementia in 12 countries. One-in-three (33%, [95% CI: 28%, 39%]) NH residents with dementia received two-or-more psychotropic medications concurrently. One-in-eight (13%, [95% CI: 10%, 17%]) received three-or-more psychotropic medications concurrently. Estimates were highly variable across both definitions of psychotropic polypharmacy (p < 0.001). Among study-level demographics, geographic region, sample size, or study year, only male sex was associated with greater use of two-or-more psychotropic medications (Unadjusted OR = 1.02, p = 0.006; Adjusted OR = 1.04, p = 0.07). CONCLUSIONS Psychotropic polypharmacy is common among NH residents with dementia. Identifying the causes of utilization and the effects on resident health and well-being should be prioritized by federal entities seeking to improve NH quality.
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Sandvik MK, Watne LO, Brugård A, Wang-Hansen MS, Kersten H. Association between psychotropic drug use and handgrip strength in older hospitalized patients. Eur Geriatr Med 2021; 12:1213-1220. [PMID: 34033072 PMCID: PMC8626357 DOI: 10.1007/s41999-021-00511-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Handgrip strength is an indicator of frailty and longevity in older adults. The association between psychotropic drug use and handgrip strength in older hospitalized patients was investigated in this study. METHODS A total of 488 patients were included in this retrospective cross-sectional study, 333 women and 155 men, from two different cohorts of older (mean age 84 years) hospitalized in-patients. We used multiple linear regression models to explore the association between psychotropic drug use and handgrip strength. We adjusted for factors known to affect handgrip strength: Age, gender, body mass index (BMI) and comorbidity (Charlson comorbidity index). RESULTS Both unadjusted and adjusted analyses showed that psychotropic drug use was associated with handgrip strength (β = - 0.183, p < 0.0001). The relationship was of a linear character, with no clear threshold value, but with the greatest reduction in handgrip strength between zero and two psychotropic drugs. CONCLUSION An increasing number of psychotropic drugs were significantly associated with reduced handgrip strength in a linearly pattern. Hence, it is timely to question the guided threshold value of avoidance of three or more psychotropic drugs in older people. Psychotropic drug use should be kept as low as possible in treatment of older patients.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leiv Otto Watne
- Oslo Delirium Research Group, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anniken Brugård
- Oslo Delirium Research Group, Department of Geriatric Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Medicine, Drammen Hospital, Vestre Viken Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Marte Sofie Wang-Hansen
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Vestfold Hospital Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Hege Kersten
- Department of Research, Telemark Hospital Trust, Skien, Norway.,Department of Pharmaceutical Bioscience, School of Pharmacy, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Malterud K, Aamland A, Iden KR. Small-scale implementation with pragmatic process evaluation: a model developed in primary health care. BMC FAMILY PRACTICE 2018; 19:93. [PMID: 29929482 PMCID: PMC6014026 DOI: 10.1186/s12875-018-0778-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Accepted: 05/25/2018] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research often fails to impose substantial shifts in clinical practice. Evidence-based health care requires implementation of documented interventions, with implementation research as a science-informed strategy to identify core experiences from the process and share preconditions for achievement. Evidence developed in hospital contexts is often neither relevant nor feasible for primary care. Different evidence types may constitute a point of departure, stretching and testing the transferability of the intervention by piloting it in primary care. Comprehensive descriptions of aims, context and procedures can be a more useful outcome than traditional effect studies. MAIN TEXT We present a model for small-scale implementation of relevant research evidence, monitored by pragmatic evaluation. The model, which is applicable in primary care, is supported by Weiner's theory about organizational readiness for change and consists of four steps: 1) recognize the problem - identify a workable intervention, 2) assess the context - prepare for inception, 3) pilot the intervention on site, and 4) upscale and accomplish the intervention. The process is evaluated by exploring selected relevant aspects of experiences and outcomes from the first to the last step. Process evaluation is a logical precondition for outcome evaluation - attempting to assess either the efficacy or the effectiveness of a "black box" intervention makes no sense. We argue why evidence beyond effect studies and evaluation beyond randomized controlled trials may be adequate for science-informed evaluation of a small-scale implementation project such as is often conducted by primary health care practitioners. The model is illustrated by an ongoing project, in which a strategy for upgrading the management of depression in nursing homes in Norway is currently being implemented. CONCLUSIONS A flexible and manageable approach is suggested, in which the inevitable unpredictability of clinical practice is incorporated. Finding the appropriate middle ground between rigour and flexibility, some compromises must be made. Our model recognizes the skills of practical knowing as something other than traditional medical research, while maintaining academic values such as systematic and transparent reflection, using adequate tools. Considering the purpose and context of our model, we argue that these priorities, emphasizing relevance and feasibility, are strengths, not limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirsti Malterud
- Research Unit for General Practice, Uni Research Health, Uni Research, Kalfarveien 31, N-5018 Bergen, Norway
- The Research Unit for General Practice and Section of General Practice, Department of Public Health, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Global Public Health and Primary Care, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Aase Aamland
- Research Unit for General Practice, Uni Research Health, Uni Research, Kalfarveien 31, N-5018 Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristina Riis Iden
- Research Unit for General Practice, Uni Research Health, Uni Research, Kalfarveien 31, N-5018 Bergen, Norway
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Abstract
UNLABELLED ABSTRACTBackground:We aimed to assess whether there were any changes in the use of psychotropic drugs in Norwegian nursing homes between 2004 and 2011. Also, we investigated whether the predictors of use of specific psychotropic drug groups have changed. METHODS We conducted a secondary analysis of two cohort studies of two Norwegian nursing home samples (2004/05 and 2010/11). Multivariate models were applied. RESULTS We found a significant decrease in the prescription of antipsychotic drugs between 2004 and 2011 (0.63 OR, 95%CI = 0.49-0.82, p < 0.001) even after adjusting for relevant demographic and clinical variables. There are only minor changes for the other psychotropic drugs. We found that (1) the use of specific psychotropic drug groups as well as the number of psychotropic drugs used was associated with more affective symptoms and (2) the use of specific psychotropic drug groups as well as the number of psychotropic drugs used was associated with lower scores on the Physical Self-Maintenance scale. CONCLUSION This is the first study to show a robust decrease in antipsychotic drug use in nursing home patients with dementia unrelated to possible changes in case mix. The change might be explained by treatment recommendations against its use except in the most severe conditions of aggression or psychosis. Our findings indicate that it takes several years to implement scientific knowledge in clinical practice in nursing homes.
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Pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment preferences of healthcare professionals and proxies for challenging behaviors in patients with dementia. Int Psychogeriatr 2017; 29:1377-1389. [PMID: 28416027 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610217000485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prescribing antipsychotics to patients with neuropsychiatric symptoms is a matter of concern. Physicians have to make treatment decisions for patients with dementia together with proxies and/or nurses. However, it is unknown whether physicians, nurses, and proxies' treatment preferences are aligned; hence this study. METHODS Sixteen treatment attributes were selected to elicit the preferences of physicians and nurses. Ten of these attributes were used for the proxies. Preferences were estimated using a case-1 Best-Worst-Scaling design; respondents are asked to select the best and worst attribute on being presented with a hypothetical patient with dementia demonstrating neuropsychiatric symptoms. The treatments offered are: antipsychotic treatment or non-pharmaceutical regimens. RESULTS The questionnaire was filled in by 41 physicians, 81 nurses, and 59 proxies. The non-pharmacological treatment option was chosen by 52% of the proxies and 71% of the physicians and nurses. The respondents who chose antipsychotics rated the aspects "fastest result" and "most effective" as important. Physicians ranked "experience with antipsychotics" as an important aspect for prescribing antipsychotics. Only the proxies rated the aspect "having a low negative effect on the patient" as important. The nurses and elderly care physicians who chose the non-pharmaceutical treatment ranked "appropriateness" and "of little burden to the patient" as important aspects. CONCLUSIONS While doctors and nurses prefer non-pharmacological interventions, proxies indicated a preference for pharmacological treatment because of the immediate effect. However, physicians follow treatment guidelines and nurses and proxies rely on the physician's recommendations. We suggest physicians should be sensitive to these differences.
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Helvik AS, Šaltytė Benth J, Wu B, Engedal K, Selbæk G. Persistent use of psychotropic drugs in nursing home residents in Norway. BMC Geriatr 2017; 17:52. [PMID: 28193181 PMCID: PMC5307887 DOI: 10.1186/s12877-017-0440-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 02/02/2017] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The prevalence of psychotropic drug (PTD) use in NH residents is high, but few have explored prevalence and persistency in PTD in NH residents and factors associated with persistency. This at the same time as we know that risk of side events may be higher with long- term use in older adults. Thus, the aim of this study was to describe the prevalence and persistence in use of PTD and to explore factors associated with persistence in use of PTD at two consecutive time points in nursing home (NH) residents. Methods We included 1163 NH residents in a 72-month longitudinal study with five assessments. Use of PTD, neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS), severity of dementia and physical health were assessed each time. Results The prevalence over time and persistent use of antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, anxiolytics and sedatives at two consecutive time points were high in residents with and without dementia. There was an association between greater NPS at the first time point, and persistent use of these drugs, but changes in NPS between time points, did not explain such use. A longer NH stay increased the odds for persistent use of antipsychotics. Conclusion Psychotropic drugs are frequently used as a long-term treatment among NH residents and are associated with severity of neuropsychiatric symptoms, but not with severity of dementia. Closer attention should be paid to follow-up of psychotropic drug treatment, and especially for long –term use of antipsychotics, since the duration of such treatment should be as short as possible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Sofie Helvik
- Department of Public Health and General Practice, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Postboks 8905, NO-7491, Trondheim, Norway. .,St Olavs University Hospital, Trondheim, Norway. .,Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Health Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.
| | - Jūratė Šaltytė Benth
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Campus Ahus, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,HØKH, Research Centre, Akershus University Hospital, Lørenskog, Norway.,Centre for Old Age Psychiatric Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway
| | - Bei Wu
- Rory Meyers College of Nursing, New York University, New York, NC, USA
| | - Knut Engedal
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Health Trust, Tønsberg, Norway
| | - Geir Selbæk
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Ageing and Health, Vestfold Health Trust, Tønsberg, Norway.,Centre for Old Age Psychiatric Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway.,Institute of Health and Society, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Burden of Potentially Harmful Medications and the Association With Quality of Life and Mortality Among Institutionalized Older People. J Am Med Dir Assoc 2016; 17:276.e9-14. [PMID: 26805751 DOI: 10.1016/j.jamda.2015.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2015] [Revised: 12/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study investigated the overlap among 3 different definitions of potentially harmful medication (PHM) use and the corresponding associations with resident quality of life and mortality. DESIGN Cross-sectional study with 3-year follow-up for mortality. SETTING Assisted living facilities and nursing homes in Helsinki and Kouvola, Finland. PARTICIPANTS A total of 326 residents. MEASUREMENTS PHM use was defined as (1) use of medications with anticholinergic properties, (2) use of Beers Criteria medications, and (3) concomitant use 3 or more psychotropic medications. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was assessed using the 15D and psychological well-being (PWB) scale. Residents self-rated their own health using a 4-point scale. Mortality data were obtained from central registers. RESULTS There were 38.0%, 28.2%, and 12.6% of residents who used PHMs according to 1 (G1), 2 (G2), and 3 definitions (G3), respectively. Overall, 21.2% of residents did not use PHMs according to any of the 3 definitions (G0). There were no significant differences in comorbidity, cognition, or functioning among groups. In adjusted analyses, there was a stepwise association between use of multiple PHMs and poorer self-rated health, poorer PWB, and poorer HRQoL. There was no association in adjusted analyses between PHM use and 3-year mortality (47.8%-63.8%). CONCLUSION PHM use is highly prevalent in institutional settings, regardless of the definition of inappropriateness. Residents who used multiple categories of PHMs were at greatest risk of poor HRQoL, poor PWB, and poor self-rated health. However, there was no apparent association with increased mortality. Given the importance of quality of life as an outcome to older people, further efforts are needed to minimize PHM use in this setting.
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10
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Ruths S, Sørensen PH, Kirkevold Ø, Husebø BS, Krüger K, Halvorsen KH, Selbaek G. Trends in psychotropic drug prescribing in Norwegian nursing homes from 1997 to 2009: a comparison of six cohorts. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2013; 28:868-76. [PMID: 23147389 DOI: 10.1002/gps.3902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2012] [Accepted: 10/16/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychotropic drugs are extensively prescribed for the treatment of neuropsychiatric symptoms, despite modest efficacy and severe side effects. AIMS We examined trends in psychotropic drug prescribing in Norwegian nursing homes from 1997 to 2009, in order to gain insight in practice development. METHODS The study is a secondary data analysis of six cross-sectional nursing home studies conducted between 1997 and 2009. Patients aged >65 years were included. We compared the prevalence of psychotropic drugs (antipsychotics, anxiolytics, hypnotics, and antidepressants). Associations between prescription of psychotropics, and patients' age, gender, type of ward, and year of data collection were examined by univariate analysis and logistic regression. RESULTS Altogether, 7 661 patients (mean age 85.2 years, 72.6% women) were included. Prevalence of all psychotropic drugs combined increased from 57.6% to 70.5%, anxiolytics from 14.9% to 21.9%, hypnotics from 14.5% to 22.9%, and antidepressants from 31.5% to 50.9%. Prevalence of antipsychotics varied between extremes 21.1% and 25.6%. Less prescribing of older drugs was exceeded by an increase in newer drug types. Concomitant prescribing of two or more psychotropic drugs increased from 21% to 33%. Predictors of psychotropic drugs were female gender (except antipsychotics), as well as age <80 years, and residency in special care units (except hypnotics). CONCLUSIONS Prescribing of psychotropic drugs in nursing homes has increased considerably, especially regarding antidepressants. Explanations for this trend need to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sabine Ruths
- Research Unit for General Practice, Uni Health/Uni Research, Bergen, Norway
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11
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Iden KR, Hjørleifsson S, Ruths S. Treatment decisions on antidepressants in nursing homes: a qualitative study. Scand J Prim Health Care 2011; 29:252-6. [PMID: 22126226 PMCID: PMC3308458 DOI: 10.3109/02813432.2011.628240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore decision-making on treatment with antidepressants among doctors and nurses in nursing homes. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS A qualitative study based on interviews with three focus groups comprising eight physicians engaged full time, eight physicians engaged part time, and eight registered nurses, respectively. The interview guide comprised questions on initiating, evaluating, and withdrawing treatment with antidepressants. The interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analysed by systematic text condensation. RESULTS The first theme was the diagnostic process. The informants expressed difficulty in differentiating between depression and sorrow resulting from loss in old age. Further, the doctors reported that they relied on nurses' observations and rarely carried out systematic diagnostic work and follow-up of patients with depression. The second theme was treatment. Antidepressants were usually the only type of treatment provided, and patients were kept on medication even though staff felt uncertain whether this was effective. The third theme was who really determines the treatment. Registered nurses reported that unskilled and auxiliary nursing staff requested drug treatment, and doctors felt some pressure from the nurses to prescribe antidepressants. CONCLUSIONS This study suggests that the quality of diagnosis and treatment for depression in nursing homes needs to be improved in Norway. Doctors should be more available and take responsibility and leadership in medical decisions.
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Aubron V, Camus V, Bouazzaoui B, Pélissolo A, Michel G. Psychotropic drug use among the elderly: risk factors involved in long-term use. Subst Use Misuse 2010; 45:1050-9. [PMID: 20441450 DOI: 10.3109/10826080903550521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
This study explores the environmental, clinical, and personality factors that are associated with increased chronic psychotropic drug consumption in elderly patients. We collected data from 88 elderly individuals living in nursing homes, home-dwellings, and residential homes between December 2003 and June 2004. We assessed each subject's (1) current (previous four weeks) and chronic (>90 days) psychotropic drug consumption, (2) mood and anxiety (GHQ), and (3) personality (Temperament and Character Inventory). We found that 63% of the elderly subjects studied had used psychotropic drugs at least once and that one out of three elderly chronically consumed psychotropic drugs. Personality factors like harm avoidance and low level of persistence seem to be associated with chronic consumption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Aubron
- Université Victor Segalen Bordeaux II, 3 ter Place de la Victoire, 33076 Bordeaux Cedex, France
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Feng Z, Hirdes JP, Smith TF, Finne-Soveri H, Chi I, Pasquier JND, Gilgen R, Ikegami N, Mor V. Use of physical restraints and antipsychotic medications in nursing homes: a cross-national study. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2009; 24:1110-8. [PMID: 19280680 PMCID: PMC3764453 DOI: 10.1002/gps.2232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This study compares inter- and intra-country differences in the prevalence of physical restraints and antipsychotic medications in nursing homes, and examines aggregated resident conditions and organizational characteristics correlated with these treatments. METHODS Population-based, cross-sectional data were collected using a standardized Resident Assessment Instrument (RAI) from 14,504 long-term care facilities providing nursing home level services in five countries participating in the interRAI consortium, including Canada, Finland, Hong Kong (Special Administrative Region, China), Switzerland, and the United States. Facility-level prevalence rates of physical restraints and antipsychotic use were examined both between and within the study countries. RESULTS The prevalence of physical restraint use varied more than five-fold across the study countries, from an average 6% in Switzerland, 9% in the US, 20% in Hong Kong, 28% in Finland, and over 31% in Canada. The prevalence of antipsychotic use ranged from 11% in Hong Kong, between 26-27% in Canada and the US, 34% in Switzerland, and nearly 38% in Finland. Within each country, substantial variations existed across facilities in both physical restraint and antipsychotic use rates. In all countries, neither facility case mix nor organizational characteristics were particularly predictive of the prevalence of either treatment. CONCLUSIONS There exists large, unexplained variability in the prevalence of physical restraint and antipsychotic use in nursing home facilities both between and within countries. Since restraints and antipsychotics are associated with adverse outcomes, it is important to understand the idiosyncratic factors specific to each country that contribute to variation in use rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanlian Feng
- Center for Gerontology & Health Care Research, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI 02903, USA.
| | - John P. Hirdes
- Department of Health Studies and Gerontology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo ON, Canada,Homewood Research Institute, Guelph ON, Canada
| | - Trevor F. Smith
- Department of Sociology, Nipissing University, North Bay, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Iris Chi
- Golden Age Association Frances Wu Chair for Chinese Elderly, School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | - Ruedi Gilgen
- Klinik für Akutgeriatrie, Waidspital, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Naoki Ikegami
- Department of Health Policy & Management, School of Medicine, Keio University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo,Japan
| | - Vincent Mor
- Department of Community Health, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence RI, USA
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Changes between 1982 and 2000 in the prevalence of behavioral symptoms and psychotropic drug treatment among old people with cognitive impairment in geriatric care. Int Psychogeriatr 2009; 21:941-8. [PMID: 19586566 DOI: 10.1017/s1041610209990329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND People with a dementia disorder often live in institutional care facilities, particularly when the dementia disorder becomes severe or complicated by various behavioral disturbances. The aim of the present study was to analyze and compare the one-week prevalence of various behavioral symptoms and psychotropic drug treatment among people with cognitive impairment living in institutional care, in two large, comparable samples from 1982 and 2000. METHODS A comparison was made between two cross-sectional samples, collected in 1982 and 2000 respectively, comprising 3404 participants with cognitive impairment living in geriatric care units in the county of Västerbotten, Sweden. Behavioral symptoms were measured using the Multi-Dimensional Dementia Assessment Scale (MDDAS) and cognition was measured using Gottfries' cognitive scale. RESULTS Eight out of 25 behavioral symptoms had become less common, and six more common, after controlling for demographic changes. Regressive behavior, resistance to care and passiveness became less common, while certain aberrant motor behaviors showed an increased prevalence. Antidepressant drug use increased from 6.8% to 43.2%, antipsychotic drug use decreased from 38.0% to 26.2% and anxiolytics, hypnotic and sedative drug use increased from 12.7% to 38.5%. CONCLUSION One-week prevalence of regressive symptoms and resistance to care had decreased and there were signs of a generally increased activity level among old people with cognitive impairment living in institutional geriatric care in 2000 compared to 1982. These changes may be an effect of the extensive changes in pharmacological treatments and in the organization of institutional geriatric care.
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Lövheim H, Karlsson S, Gustafson Y. The use of central nervous system drugs and analgesics among very old people with and without dementia. Pharmacoepidemiol Drug Saf 2008; 17:912-8. [DOI: 10.1002/pds.1600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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Lövheim H, Sandman PO, Kallin K, Karlsson S, Gustafson Y. Symptoms of mental health and psychotropic drug use among old people in geriatric care, changes between 1982 and 2000. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2008; 23:289-94. [PMID: 17645282 DOI: 10.1002/gps.1876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Some major changes have occurred in the care of older people in institutions providing geriatric care from a few decades ago to today. How these changes regarding organization, diagnosis and pharmacological treatment, have affected the mental health of the population in general remains unclear. METHOD The prevalence of symptoms of mental health in two comparable cross-sectional surveys from 1982 and 2000 were studied. The study population consisted of all the people aged 65 years or older living in geriatric care units in the county of Västerbotten, in northern Sweden. Multivariate regression was used to correct for the effect of change in demographic structure. RESULTS Six out of 14 symptoms showed a significant decrease, correcting for demographical changes. These were, expressed as descriptions of behaviours, Sad (OR 0.72), Crying (OR 0.67), Fearful (OR 0.73), Disturbed and restless (OR 0.84), Lacking initiative (OR 0.67) and Does not cooperate (OR 0.67).Two symptoms showed a significant increase, Overactive/manic (OR 1.44) and Hallucinates visually (OR 1.27). The use of antidepressants had increased from 6.3% 1982 to 39.9% 2000. The use of minor tranquillizers had increased from 13.2% to 39.2% and the prevalence of antipsychotic use had decreased from 25.1% to 20.5%. CONCLUSION This article clearly shows that the prevalence of several important symptoms and behaviours in a geriatric care population have decreased over the course of eighteen years, correcting for demographical changes. This might at least partly be accounted for by today's more widespread use of antidepressants and benzodiazepines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hugo Lövheim
- Department of Community Medicine and Rehabilitation, Geriatric Medicine, Umeå University, Umeå, Sweden.
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Selbaek G, Kirkevold Ø, Engedal K. The prevalence of psychiatric symptoms and behavioural disturbances and the use of psychotropic drugs in Norwegian nursing homes. Int J Geriatr Psychiatry 2007; 22:843-9. [PMID: 17193341 DOI: 10.1002/gps.1749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Psychiatric and behavioural symptoms in dementia are associated with a range of negative outcomes, including institutional placement and the widespread use of psychotropic drugs in spite of limited evidence for their efficacy. AIMS To determine the prevalence of psychiatric and behavioural symptoms and the pattern of psychotropic drug prescription in patients with various degrees of dementia. METHODS A sample of 1,163 non-selected nursing home patients were assessed by means of the Neuropsychiatric Inventory, the Clinical Dementia Rating scale and Lawton's activities of daily living scale. In addition, information was collected from the patients' records. RESULTS Dementia was found in 81% of the patients and 72% of them had clinically significant psychiatric and behavioural symptoms. The frequencies of symptoms increased with the severity of the dementia. Psychotropic medication was being prescribed to 75% of patients with dementia. There was a significant relationship between the type of drug and the symptom for which it had been dispensed. CONCLUSION Psychiatric and behavioural symptoms are frequent in nursing homes and the rate increases with the progression of the dementia. Systematic programmes are needed for disseminating skills and providing guidance regarding the evaluation and treatment of these symptoms in nursing homes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geir Selbaek
- Research Centre for Old Age Psychiatric Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway.
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Carpenter I. Aging and community care. Aging Clin Exp Res 2004; 16:257-8. [PMID: 15575118 DOI: 10.1007/bf03324549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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