Implications of atypical antipsychotic prescribing in the intensive care unit

Post-Intensive Care Syndrome in Neurocritical Care Patients

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) refers to unintended consequences of critical care that manifest as new or worsening impairments in physical functioning, cognitive ability, or mental health. As intensive care unit (ICU) survival continues to improve, PICS is becoming increasingly recognized as a public health problem. Studies that focus on PICS have typically excluded patients with acute brain injuries and chronic neurodegenerative problems. However, patients who require neurocritical care undoubtedly suffer from impairments that overlap substantially with those encompassed by PICS. A major challenge is to distinguish between impairments related to brain injury and those that occur as a consequence of critical care. The general principles for the prevention and management of PICS and multidomain impairments in patients with moderate and severe neurological injuries are similar including the ICU liberation bundle, multidisciplinary team-based care throughout the continuum of care, and increasing awareness regarding the challenges of critical care survivorship among patients, families, and multidisciplinary team members. An extension of this concept, PICS-Family (PICS-F) refers to the mental health consequences of the intensive care experience for families and loved ones of ICU survivors. A dyadic approach to ICU survivorship with an emphasis on recognizing families and caregivers that may be at risk of developing PICS-F after neurocritical care illness can help improve outcomes for ICU survivors. In this review, we will summarize our current understanding of PICS and PICS-F, emerging literature on PICS in severe acute brain injury, strategies for preventing and treating PICS, and share our recommendations for future directions.

New initiation of opioids, benzodiazepines and antipsychotics following hospitalization for COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Patients newly initiated on opioids (OP), benzodiazepines (BZD), and antipsychotics (AP) during hospitalization are often prescribed these on discharge. Implications of this practice on outcomes remains unexplored.

OBJECTIVE

To explore the prevalence and risk factors of new initiation of select OP, BZD and AP among patients requiring in-patient stays. Test the hypothesis that new prescriptions are associated with higher odds of readmission or death within 28 days of discharge.

DESIGN

Single center retrospective cohort study.

SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Patients admitted to a tertiary-level medical center with either a primary diagnosis of RT-PCR positive for COVID-19 or high index of clinical suspicion thereof.

INTERVENTION

None.

MAIN OUTCOME AND MEASURES

Exposure was the new initiation of select common OP, BZD, and AP which were continued on hospital discharge. Outcome was a composite of 28-day readmission or death following index admission. Multivariable logistic regression was used to assess patient mortality or readmission within 28 days of discharge associated with new prescriptions at discharge.

RESULTS

One thousand three hundred and nineteen patients were included in the analysis. 11.3% (149/1319) were discharged with a new prescription of select OP, BZD, or AP either alone or in combination. OP (110/149) were most prescribed followed by BZD (41/149) and AP (22/149). After adjusting for unbalanced confounders, new prescriptions (adjusted odds ratio: 2.44, 95% confidence interval: 1.42-4.12; p = .001) were associated with readmission or death within 28 days of discharge. One in nine patients admitted with a diagnosis of COVID-19 or high clinical suspicion thereof were discharged with a new prescription of either OP, BZD or AP. New prescriptions were associated with higher odds of 28-day readmission or death. Strengthening medication reconciliation processes focused on these classes may reduce avoidable harm.

The Association of Nonmodifiable Patient Factors on Antipsychotic Medication use in the Intensive Care Unit

PURPOSE

We investigated the association of age, sex, race, and insurance status on antipsychotic medication use among intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Retrospective study of adults admitted to ICUs at a tertiary academic center. Patient characteristics, hospital course, and medication (olanzapine, quetiapine, and haloperidol) data were collected. Logistic regression models evaluated the independent association of age, sex, race, and insurance status on the use of each antipsychotic, adjusting for prespecified covariates.

RESULTS

Of 27,137 encounters identified, 6191 (22.8%) received antipsychotics. Age was significantly associated with the odds of receiving olanzapine (P < .001), quetiapine (P = .001), and haloperidol (P = .0046). Male sex and public insurance status were associated with increased odds of receiving antipsychotics olanzapine, quetiapine, and haloperidol (Male vs Female: OR 1.13, 95% CI [1.04, 1.24], P = .0005; OR 1.22, 95% CI [1.10, 1.34], P = .0001; OR 1.28, 95% CI [1.17, 1.40], P < .0001, respectively; public insurance vs private insurance: OR 1.32, 95% CI [1.20, 1.46], P < .0001; OR 1.21, 95% CI [1.09, 1.34], P = .0004; OR 1.15, 95% CI [1.04, 1.27], P = .0058, respectively). Black race was also associated with a decreased odds of receiving all antipsychotics (olanzapine (P = .0177), quetiapine (P = .004), haloperidol (P = .0041)).

CONCLUSIONS

Age, sex, race, and insurance status were associated with the use of all antipsychotic medications investigated, highlighting the importance of investigating the potential impact of these prescribing decisions on patient outcomes across diverse populations. Recognizing how nonmodifiable patient factors have the potential to influence prescribing practices may be considered an important factor toward optimizing medication regimens.

An International, Multicenter Evaluation of Comprehensive Medication Management by Pharmacists in ICU Recovery Centers

BACKGROUND

Post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) is defined as a new or worsening impairment in physical, cognitive, or mental health following critical illness. Intensive care unit recovery centers (ICU-RC) are one means to treat patients who have PICS. The purpose of this study is to describe the role of pharmacists in ICU-RCs.

RESEARCH QUESTION

What is the number and type of medication interventions made by a pharmacist at an ICU-RC at 12 different centers?

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

This prospective, observational study was conducted in 12 intensive care units (ICUs)/ICU-RCs between September 2019 and July 2021. A full medication review was conducted by a pharmacist on patients seen at the ICU-RC.

RESULTS

507 patients were referred to the ICU-RC. Of these patients, 474 attended the ICU-RC and 472 had a full medication review performed by a pharmacist. Baseline demographic and hospital course data were obtained from the electronic health record and at the ICU-RC appointment. Pharmacy interventions were made in 397 (84%) patients. The median number of pharmacy interventions per patient was 2 (interquartile range [IQR] = 1,3). Medications were stopped and started in 124 (26%) and 91 (19%) patients, respectively. The number of patients that had a dose decreased and a dose increased was 51 (11%) and 43 (9%), respectively. There was no difference in the median total number of medications that the patient was prescribed at the start and end of the patient visit (10, IQR = 5, 15). Adverse drug event (ADE) preventive measures were implemented in 115 (24%) patients. ADE events were identified in 69 (15%) patients. Medication interactions were identified in 30 (6%) patients.

INTERPRETATION

A pharmacist plays an integral role in an ICU-RC resulting in the identification, prevention, and treatment of medication-related problems. This paper should serve as a call to action on the importance of the inclusion of a pharmacist in ICU-RC clinics.

Medication-related problems in critical care survivors: a systematic review

OBJECTIVES

There are numerous, often single centre discussions of assorted medication-related problems after hospital discharge in patients who survive critical illness. However, there has been little synthesis of the incidence of medication-related problems, the classes of medications most often studied, the factors that are associated with greater patient risk of such problems or interventions that can prevent them.

METHODS

We undertook a systematic review to understand medication management and medication problems in critical care survivors in the hospital discharge period. We searched OVID Medline, Embase, PsychINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane database (2001-2022). Two reviewers independently screened publications to identify studies that examined medication management at hospital discharge or thereafter in critical care survivors. We included randomised and non-randomised studies. We extracted data independently and in duplicate. Data extracted included medication type, medication-related problems and frequency of medication issues, alongside demographics such as study setting. Cohort study quality was assessed using the Newcastle Ottowa Score checklist. Data were analysed across medication categories.

RESULTS

The database search initially retrieved 1180 studies; following the removal of duplicates and studies which did not fit the inclusion criteria, 47 papers were included. The quality of studies included varied. The outcomes measured and the timepoints at which data were captured also varied, which impacted the quality of data synthesis. Across the studies included, we found that as many as 80% of critically ill patients experienced medication-related problems in the posthospital discharge period. These issues included inappropriate continuation of newly prescribed drugs such as antipsychotics, gastrointestinal prophylaxis and analgesic medications, as well as inappropriate discontinuation of chronic disease medications, such as secondary prevention cardiac drugs.

CONCLUSIONS

Following critical illness, a high proportion of patients experience problems with their medications. These changes were present across multiple health systems. Further research is required to understand optimal medicine management across the full recovery trajectory of critical illness.

PROSPERO REGISTRATION NUMBER

CRD42021255975.

Melatonin or Ramelteon for Delirium Prevention in the Intensive Care Unit: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Melatonin modulates the circadian rhythm and has been studied as a preventive measure against the development of delirium in hospitalized patients. Such an effect may be more evident in patients admitted to the ICU, but findings from the literature are conflicting. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We assessed whether melatonin or ramelteon (melatonin agonist) reduce delirium incidence as compared to a placebo in ICU patients. Secondary outcomes were ICU length of stay, duration of mechanical ventilation (MV) and mortality. Estimates are presented as risk ratio (RR) or mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Nine RCTs were included, six of them reporting delirium incidence. Neither melatonin nor ramelteon reduced delirium incidence (RR 0.76 (0.54, 1.07), p = 0.12; I² = 64%), although a sensitivity analysis conducted adding other four studies showed a reduction in the risk of delirium (RR = 0.67 (95%CI 0.48, 0.92), p = 0.01; I² = 67). Among the secondary outcomes, we found a trend towards a reduction in the duration of MV (MD -2.80 (-6.06, 0.47), p = 0.09; I² = 94%) but no differences in ICU-LOS (MD -0.26 (95%CI -0.89, 0.37), p = 0.42; I² = 75%) and mortality (RR = 0.85 (95%CI 0.63, 1.15), p = 0.30; I² = 0%). Melatonin and ramelteon do not seem to reduce delirium incidence in ICU patients but evidence is weak. More studies are needed to confirm this finding.

Antipsychotic prescribing practices and patient, family member and healthcare professional perceptions of antipsychotic prescribing in acute care settings: a scoping review protocol

INTRODUCTION

Antipsychotic medications are commonly prescribed off-label in acutely ill patients for non-psychiatric clinical indications such as delirium or insomnia. New prescription initiation of antipsychotics in acute care settings increases the proportion of patients discharged home on antipsychotics without approved clinical indication. Long-term use of antipsychotics is associated with increased risk of sudden cardiac death, falls and cognitive impairment. An understanding of acute care off-label antipsychotic prescribing practices and healthcare professional, patient and family perceptions related to antipsychotic prescribing and deprescribing is necessary to facilitate in-hospital deprescribing initiatives.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS

We present the protocol for a scoping review following the methodology proposed by Arksey and O'Malley and the Scoping Review Methods Manual by the Joanna Briggs Institute. We will search five databases including MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Web of Science from inception to 3 July 2021 (ie, planned search date). We will include both peer-reviewed and non-peer-reviewed qualitative and quantitative studies to identify antipsychotic prescribing practices, and to describe healthcare professional, patient and family perceptions towards antipsychotic prescribing and deprescribing in the acute care setting. Protocols, systematic and scoping reviews will be excluded. Two reviewers will calibrate and perform study screening and data abstraction for quantitative and qualitative outcomes of eligible studies. Quantitative outcomes will include study identifiers, demographics and descriptive statistics of antipsychotic prescribing practices. Qualitative synthesis describing perceptions on antipsychotic prescribing practices will include deductive thematic analysis with mapping of themes to the domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework, a 14-domain behaviour and behaviour change framework.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION

No ethical approval will be required for this study as only data from published studies in which informed consent was obtained by primary investigators will be retrieved and analysed. The results of this scoping review will inform integrated knowledge translation initiatives aimed at in-hospital antipsychotic medication deprescribing.

Retrospective evaluation of a delirium order set utilizing nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions for the treatment of delirium in medical intensive care unit patients

DISCLAIMER

In an effort to expedite the publication of articles, AJHP is posting manuscripts online as soon as possible after acceptance. Accepted manuscripts have been peer-reviewed and copyedited, but are posted online before technical formatting and author proofing. These manuscripts are not the final version of record and will be replaced with the final article (formatted per AJHP style and proofed by the authors) at a later time.

PURPOSE

To describe the use of a medical intensive care unit (MICU) delirium order set pilot and its associated impact on utilization of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic interventions, pharmacologic continuation at transitions of care, and resolution of ICU delirium.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort analysis of MICU patients who received delirium management using an order set pilot compared to standard care. Patients 18 years of age or older admitted to the MICU between May 2019 and January 2020 who received an antipsychotic or valproic acid for the treatment of delirium were included.

RESULTS

Pharmacologic treatment continuation past ICU discharge occurred in 30% of patients in the pilot cohort (n = 50) compared to 54% of patients receiving standard care (n = 50; P = 0.027). On treatment days 1 through 7, utilization of deliriogenic medications was significantly lower in the pilot cohort (78% vs 96%, P = 0.007). No differences were observed between the groups in delirium resolution, delirium recurrence, hospital and ICU length of stay, or mortality.

CONCLUSION

A MICU order set prioritizing nonpharmacologic management and limiting the duration of pharmacologic agents for delirium may aid providers in the management of ICU delirium and reduce exposure to pharmacologic interventions.

Descriptive analysis of the unwarranted continuation of antipsychotics for the management of ICU delirium during transitions of care: A multicenter evaluation across New Jersey

PURPOSE

Nearly half of intensive care unit (ICU) patients will develop delirium. Antipsychotics are used routinely for the management of ICU delirium despite limited reliable data supporting this approach. The unwarranted continuation of antipsychotics initiated for ICU delirium is an emerging transitions of care concern, especially considering the adverse event profile of these agents. We sought to evaluate the magnitude of this issue across 6 centers in New Jersey and describe risk factors for continuation.

METHODS

This multicenter, retrospective study examined adult ICU patients who developed ICU delirium from June 2016 to June 2018. Patients were included in the study if they received at least 3 doses of antipsychotics while in the ICU with presence of either a clinical diagnosis of delirium or a positive Confusion Assessment Method score. Patients were excluded if they were on an antipsychotic before ICU admission.

RESULTS

Of the 300 patients included and initiated on antipsychotics for ICU delirium, 157 (52.3%) were continued on therapy upon transfer from the ICU to another level of inpatient care. The number of patients continued on newly initiated antipsychotics further increased to 183 (61%) upon discharge from the hospital.

CONCLUSION

The continuation of antipsychotics for the management of delirium during transitions of care was a common practice across ICUs in New Jersey. Several risk factors for continuation of antipsychotics were identified. Efforts to reduce unnecessary continuation of antipsychotics at transitions of care are warranted.

Pharmacologic Management of Intensive Care Unit Delirium: Clinical Prescribing Practices and Outcomes in More Than 8500 Patient Encounters

BACKGROUND

Pharmacologic agents are frequently utilized for management of intensive care unit (ICU) delirium, yet prescribing patterns and impact of medication choices on patient outcomes are poorly described. We sought to describe prescribing practices for management of ICU delirium and investigate the independent association of medication choice on key in-hospital outcomes including delirium resolution, in-hospital mortality, and days alive and free of the ICU or hospital.

METHODS

A retrospective study of delirious adult ICU patients at a tertiary academic medical center. Data were obtained regarding daily mental status (normal, delirious, and comatose), pharmacologic treatment, hospital course, and survival via electronic health record. Daily transition models were constructed to assess the independent association of previous day mental status and medication administration on mental status the following day and in-hospital mortality, after adjusting for prespecified covariates. Linear regression models investigated the association of medication administration on days alive and free of the ICU or the hospital during the first 30 days after ICU admission.

RESULTS

We identified 8591 encounters of ICU delirium. Half (45.6%) of patients received pharmacologic treatment for delirium, including 45.4% receiving antipsychotics, 2.2% guanfacine, and 0.84% valproic acid. Median highest Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS) score was 1 (0, 1) in patients initiated on medications and 0 (-1, 0) for nonrecipients. Haloperidol, olanzapine, and quetiapine comprised >97% of antipsychotics utilized with 48% receiving 2 or more and 20.6% continued on antipsychotic medications at hospital discharge. Haloperidol and olanzapine were associated with greater odds of continued delirium (odds ratio [OR], 1.48; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], 1.30-1.65; P < .001 and OR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.20-1.56; P = .003, respectively) and increased hazard of in-hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR], 1.46; 95% CI, 1.10-1.93; P = .01 and HR, 1.67; 95% CI, 1.14-2.45; P = .01, respectively) while quetiapine showed a decreased hazard of in-hospital mortality (HR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.40-0.84; P = .01). Haloperidol, olanzapine, and quetiapine were associated with fewer days alive and free of hospitalization (all P < .001). There was no significant association of any antipsychotic medication with days alive and free of the ICU. Neither guanfacine nor valproic acid were associated with in-hospital outcomes examined.

CONCLUSIONS

Pharmacologic interventions for management of ICU delirium are common, most often with antipsychotics, and frequently continued at hospital discharge. These medications may not portend benefit, may introduce additional harm, and should be used with caution for delirium management. Continuation of these medications through hospitalization and discharge draws into question their safety and role in patient recovery.

QTc Interval Prolongation with Therapies Used to Treat Patients with Parkinson's Disease Psychosis: A Narrative Review

In addition to the classic motor symptoms of Parkinson's disease (PD), people with PD frequently experience nonmotor symptoms that can include autonomic dysfunction and neuropsychiatric symptoms such as PD psychosis (PDP). Common patient characteristics, including older age, use of multiple medications, and arrhythmias, are associated with increased risk of corrected QT interval (QTc) prolongation, and treatments for PDP (antipsychotics, dementia medications) may further increase this risk. This review evaluates how medications used to treat PDP affect QTc interval from literature indexed in the PubMed and Embase databases. Although not indicated for the treatment of psychosis, dementia therapies such as donepezil, rivastigmine, memantine, and galantamine are often used with or without antipsychotics and have minimal effects on QTc interval. Among the antipsychotics, data suggesting clinically meaningful QTc interval prolongation are limited. However, many antipsychotics have other safety concerns. Aripiprazole, olanzapine, and risperidone negatively affect motor function and are not recommended for PDP. Quetiapine is often sedating, can exacerbate underlying neurogenic orthostatic hypotension, and may prolong the QTc interval. Pimavanserin was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2016 and remains the only FDA-approved medication available to treat hallucinations and delusions associated with PDP. However, pimavanserin can increase QTc interval by approximately 5-8 ms. The potential for QTc prolongation should be considered in patients with symptomatic cardiac arrhythmias and those receiving QT-prolonging medications. In choosing a medication to treat PDP, expected efficacy must be balanced with potential safety concerns for individual patients.

Comparison of Antipsychotics for the Treatment of Patients With Delirium and QTc Interval Prolongation: A Clinical Decision Analysis

Background: Antipsychotics are frequently used to treat delirium but often induce corrected QT (QTc) prolongation, which can be lethal by causing torsade de pointes. Nonetheless, the selection of antipsychotics to treat delirium patients with prolonged baseline QTc intervals remains unclear. We aimed to assess the utility of antipsychotics based on their effects on treatment outcomes and QTc intervals. Methods: A clinical decision analysis was conducted using data on the effects of antipsychotics on treatment outcomes and QTc intervals from published network meta-analyses. We quantified the utility of six antipsychotics (amisulpride, haloperidol, olanzapine, quetiapine, risperidone, and ziprasidone) using a decision tree and the obtained effect sizes. Subsequently, we conducted sensitivity analyses using multiple utility settings and another dataset. We also performed a probabilistic sensitivity analysis using Monte Carlo simulation, in which the effects of antipsychotics were randomly sampled given the plausible range. Results: Amisulpride showed the highest utility when the baseline QTc interval was 420 ms. Quetiapine showed the highest utility when the baseline QTc interval was ≥450 ms. The sensitivity analyses also showed the superiority of quetiapine when the baseline QTc intervals were prolonged. Conclusions: Decision analysis suggests that quetiapine is the optimal antipsychotic drug for the treatment of patients with delirium and prolonged baseline QTc intervals.

Discharge from hospital with newly administered antipsychotics after intensive care unit delirium - Incidence and contributing factors

PURPOSE

Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is often treated with haloperidol or atypical antipsychotics. Antipsychotic treatment can lead to severe adverse effects and excess mortality. After initiation in the ICU, patients are at risk of having their antipsychotics continued unnecessarily at ICU and hospital discharge. This study aims to determine the incidence of, and risk factors for antipsychotic continuation at hospital discharge after ICU delirium.

METHODS

This retrospective observational study was performed in a tertiary care center. Adult patients who received antipsychotics for ICU delirium during 2016 were included. Data was extracted from patient records. After univariate testing, a multivariate binary logistic regression model was used to identify independent risk factors for antipsychotic continuation.

RESULTS

A total of 196 patients were included, of which 104 (53.1%) and 41 (20.9%) had their antipsychotics continued at ICU and hospital discharge respectively. Medical ICU admission (odds ratio [95% confidence interval] 2.97 [1.37-6.41]) and quetiapine treatment (5.81 [1.63-20.83]) were independently associated with antipsychotic continuation at hospital discharge.

CONCLUSIONS

Approximately one in five patients were discharged from the hospital with continued antipsychotics. Hospital policies should implement strategies for systematic antipsychotic tapering and better follow-up of antipsychotics at transitions of care.

Therapeutic options for agitation in the intensive care unit

Agitation is common in the intensive care unit (ICU). There are numerous contributing factors, including pain, underlying disease, withdrawal syndrome, delirium and some medication. Agitation can compromise patient safety through accidental removal of tubes and catheters, prolong the duration of stay in the ICU, and may be related to various complications. This review aims to analyse evidence-based medical literature to improve management of agitation and to consider pharmacological strategies. The non-pharmacological approach is considered to reduce the risk of agitation. Pharmacological treatment of agitated patients is detailed and is based on a judicious choice of neuroleptics, benzodiazepines and α2 agonists, and on whether a withdrawal syndrome is identified. Specific management of agitation in elderly patients, brain-injured patients and patients with sleep deprivation are also discussed. This review proposes a practical approach for managing agitation in the ICU.

Prescribing Practices of Valproic Acid for Agitation and Delirium in the Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

Analgesics, sedatives, and antipsychotics are commonly prescribed for agitation and delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU), but their use is limited by adverse effects and lack of efficacy. Valproic acid is an alternative treatment option.

OBJECTIVE

The primary objective of this study was to describe valproic acid prescribing in our institution's ICUs when used for agitation or delirium. Measures of effectiveness and safety were also assessed.

METHODS

This was a single-center, retrospective, institutional review board-approved cohort study of adult inpatients admitted to the ICU between January 2018 and August 2018. Patients who received valproic acid for the treatment of agitation or delirium for ≥24 hours were included. Prescribing practices were evaluated for dose, frequency, and route of administration. Effectiveness was assessed via agitation and delirium assessment tools and quantity of adjunctive agents used.

RESULTS

A total of 80 patients were included, with 35 receiving valproic acid alone and 45 in conjunction with antipsychotics. The most common valproic acid regimen was 250 mg orally 3 times daily. Delirium resolution occurred in 55% of patients: 24 in the valproic acid monotherapy group and 20 in the valproic acid plus antipsychotic group (69% vs 44%; P = 0.03). The incidence of delirium decreased from valproic acid day 0 to day 3 (93% vs 68%; P < 0.01), with no change in agitation (64% vs 63%; P = 0.28).

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Valproic acid is frequently prescribed in agitated, delirious patients at our institution and may have a role in the management of ICU delirium.

Effectiveness of Quetiapine as a Sedative Adjunct in Mechanically Ventilated Adults Without Delirium

BACKGROUND

Quetiapine is an atypical antipsychotic that is commonly used in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). The utility of quetiapine as a sedative adjunct has not yet been evaluated, but has been described previously in studies evaluating quetiapine for delirium or delirium prophylaxis.

OBJECTIVE

To determine if adjunctive use of quetiapine reduces sedative dosage requirements among mechanically ventilated adults without delirium.

METHODS

This retrospective intrapatient comparator study included all mechanically ventilated adults admitted to a medical ICU who received quetiapine between July 1, 2013, and July 1, 2018. The primary outcome was the change in sedative dosage requirements over 24 hours following quetiapine initiation. Secondary outcomes included change in sedative dosage requirements 48 hours postquetiapine initiation, opioid dosage requirements 24 hours postquetiapine initiation, percent time at goal for both pain and sedation scores, depth of sedation, and QTc.

RESULTS

A total of 57 patients were included in the study cohort. There was no significant difference in 24-hour cumulative doses of propofol (P = 0.10), dexmedetomidine (P = 0.14), or benzodiazepines (P = 0.14). During the 48-hour treatment period, there was a significant increase in dexmedetomidine requirements (P = 0.03). There were no differences in 24-hour opioid dosage requirements, percent time at goal pain or sedation scores, depth of sedation, or QTc following quetiapine initiation.

CONCLUSION AND RELEVANCE

Adjunctive use of quetiapine was not associated with a significant reduction in sedative dosage requirements 24 or 48 hours following initiation among mechanically ventilated adults without delirium.

Statin discontinuation and new antipsychotic use after an acute hospital stay vary by hospital

Introduction

Patients are at risk for medication problems after hospital admissions, particularly those with critical illness. Medication problems include continuation of acute medications and discontinuation of chronic medications after discharge. Little is known across a national integrated health care system about the extent of these two medication problems.

Objective

To examine the extent of statin medication discontinuation and new antipsychotic medication use after hospital discharge.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Veterans Affairs healthcare system.

Participants

Veterans with an inpatient hospitalization from January 1, 2014-December 31, 2016, survived at least 180 days post-discharge, and received at least one medication through the VA outpatient pharmacy within one year around admission were included. Hospitalizations were grouped into: 1) direct admission to the intensive care unit (ICU) and a diagnosis of sepsis, 2) direct admission to the ICU without sepsis diagnosis, and 3) no ICU stay during the hospitalization.

Main outcome measures

Statin medication discontinuation and new antipsychotic use at six months post-hospital discharge.

Results

A total of 520,187 participants were included in the statin medication and 910,629 in the antipsychotic medication cohorts. Statin discontinuation ranged from 10–15% and new antipsychotic prescription fills from 2–4% across the three hospitalization groups, with highest rates in the ICU admission and sepsis diagnosis group. Statin discontinuation and new antipsychotic use after a hospitalization varied by hospital, with worse performing hospitals having 11% higher odds of discontinuing a statin (median odds ratio at hospital-level, adjusted for patient differences, aMOR: 1.11 (95% CI: 1.09, 1.13)) and 29% higher odds of new antipsychotic use (aMOR, 1.29 (95% CI: 1.24, 1.34)). Risk-adjusted hospital rates of these two medication changes were not correlated (p = 0.49).

Conclusions

Systemic variation in the rates of statin medication continuation and new antipsychotic use were found.

Pharmacists' Perceptions on Their Role, Activities, Facilitators, and Barriers to Practicing in a Post-Intensive Care Recovery Clinic

Background: Complex medication regimen changes burden intensive care unit (ICU) survivors and their caregivers during the transition to home. Intensive care unit recovery clinics are a prime setting for pharmacists to address patients' and their caregivers' medication-related needs. The purpose of this study was to describe ICU recovery clinic pharmacists' activities, roles, and perceived barriers and facilitators to practicing in ICU recovery clinics across different institutions. Methods: An expert panel of ICU recovery clinic pharmacists completed a 15-item survey. Survey items addressed the pharmacists' years in practice, education and training, activities performed, their perceptions of facilitators and barriers to practicing in an ICU recovery clinic setting, and general ICU recovery clinic characteristics. Descriptive statistics were used. Results: Nine ICU recovery clinic pharmacists participated. The average number of years in practice was 16.5 years (SD = 13.5, range = 2-38). All pharmacists practiced in an interprofessional ICU recovery clinic affiliated with an academic medical center. Seven (78%) pharmacists always performed medication reconciliation and a comprehensive medication review in each patient visit. Need for medication education was the most prevalent item found in patient comprehensive medication reviews. The main facilitators for pharmacists' successful participation in an ICU recovery clinic were incorporation into clinic workflow, support from other health care providers, and adequate space to see patients. The ICU recovery clinic pharmacists perceived the top barriers to be lack of dedicated time and inadequate billing for services. Conclusions: The ICU recovery clinic pharmacists address ICU survivors' medication needs by providing direct patient care in the clinic. Strategies to mitigate pharmacists' barriers to practicing in ICU recovery clinics, such as lack of dedicated time and adequate billing for pharmacist services, warrant a multifaceted solution, potentially including advocacy and policy work by national pharmacy professional organizations.

Quetiapine therapy in critically injured trauma patients is associated with an increased risk of pulmonary complications

BACKGROUND

The aim of this study was to evaluate quetiapine-associated pulmonary complications (PC) in critically injured trauma patients.

METHODS

Injured adults admitted during 2016 to the ICU at a Level I trauma center were analyzed. Outcomes were evaluated by competing risks survival analysis.

RESULTS

Of 254 admissions, 40 (15.7%) had PC and 214 (84.3%) were non-events. PC patients were more severely injured, had longer hospital stays and were more likely to die. Patients administered quetiapine were more likely to develop PC and acquire PC earlier than those without quetiapine. Quetiapine was a positive risk factor for PC (sHR 2.24, p = 0.013). Stratification by ventilator use revealed non-ventilated patients administered quetiapine had the highest risk for PC (sHR 4.66, p = 0.099).

CONCLUSIONS

Quetiapine exposure in critically injured trauma patients was associated with increased risk of PC. Guidelines for treatment of delirium with quetiapine in critically injured trauma patients should account for this risk.

Risk Factors for Continuation of Atypical Antipsychotics at Hospital Discharge in Two Intensive Care Unit Cohorts

Introduction:

Atypical antipsychotics are frequently initiated in the intensive care unit (ICU) to treat delirium. Many patients continue on these agents at hospital discharge despite a lack of data to support long-term use.

Objectives:

The primary aim of this study was to determine underlying risk factors for continuation of antipsychotics at hospital discharge in medical intensive care unit (MICU) and surgical intensive care unit (SICU) patients when evaluated as separate cohorts.

Methods:

A single-center, retrospective study in patients newly initiated on quetiapine, risperidone, or olanzapine in a 22-bed mixed medical-surgical ICU admitted from January 2017 to July 2018.

Results:

A total of 78 (62.9%) MICU patients and 46 (37.1%) SICU patients met the inclusion criteria during this time frame. A total of 29 MICU patients (37.2%) were prescribed antipsychotics at hospital discharge compared to 25 SICU patients (54.3%), P = .063. The percentage of MICU patients prescribed antipsychotics at hospital discharge was significantly higher in patients ⩾60 years of age (22 [75.9%] vs 26 [53.1%], P = .045), with a history of dementia (5 [17.2%] vs 1 [2%], P = .015), admitted with hemorrhagic stroke (5 [17.2%] vs 2 [4.1%], P = .049), and initiated on risperidone (3 [10.3%] vs 0%, P = .022). The risk of pre-existing dementia remained significant in a multivariate logistic regression that controlled for confounding variables, odds ratio (OR) = 10 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.11-90.5, P = .040). The percentage of SICU patients prescribed antipsychotics at discharge was significantly higher in those with severe traumatic brain injury (TBI; 8 [72.7%] vs 0%, P = .004) and initiated on quetiapine (19 [76%] vs 9 [42.9%], P = .022).

Conclusion:

Antipsychotics were commonly continued at hospital discharge in both MICU and SICU patients. Several risk factors for continuation of antipsychotics were identified in these two cohorts. Future efforts assessing the appropriateness of antipsychotics at transitions of care are warranted.

An Analysis of Psychoactive Medications Initiated in the ICU but Continued Beyond Discharge: A Pilot Study of Stewardship

BACKGROUND

Psychoactive medications (PM) are frequently administered in the intensive care unit (ICU) to provide comfort. Interventions focused on preventing their continuation after the acute phase of illness are needed.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the frequency that patients with ICU-initiated PM are continued upon ICU and hospital discharge.

METHODS

This single-center, prospective, observational study assessed consecutive adult ICU patients who received scheduled PM. Frequency of PM continued at ICU and hospital discharge was recorded. The patient's primary treatment team was contacted by the pharmacist within 72 hours of ICU discharge to establish rationale for continued use or to suggest discontinuation.

RESULTS

Of the 60 patients included, 72% were continued on PM at ICU discharge and 30% at hospital discharge. The pharmacist contacted 40% of treatment teams after ICU discharge and intervention resulted in PM discontinued in 50% of patients. Post ICU discharge, the indication of 41% of patients' PM was unknown by the non-ICU care team or incorrect. Medical ICU patients or those transferred to an outside facility were more likely remain on PM at hospital discharge.

CONCLUSION

PM are frequently continued during transitions of care and often without knowledge of the initial indication. Future studies should establish effective PM stewardship methods.

Caring for the critically ill patients over 80: a narrative review

Background

There is currently no international recommendation for the admission or treatment of the critically ill older patients over 80 years of age in the intensive care unit (ICU), and there is no valid prognostic severity score that includes specific geriatric assessments.

Main body

In this review, we report recent literature focusing on older critically ill patients in order to help physicians in the multiple-step decision-making process. It is unclear under what conditions older patients may benefit from ICU admission. Consequently, there is a wide variation in triage practices, treatment intensity levels, end-of-life practices, discharge practices and frequency of geriatrician’s involvement among institutions and clinicians. In this review, we discuss important steps in caring for critically ill older patients, from the triage to long-term outcome, with a focus on specific conditions in the very old patients.

Conclusion

According to previous considerations, we provide an algorithm presented as a guide to aid in the decision-making process for the caring of the critically ill older patients.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13613-018-0458-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Continuation of atypical antipsychotic medications in critically ill patients discharged from the hospital: a single-center retrospective analysis

Background:

Atypical antipsychotics (AAP) have been associated with reduced duration of delirium in the intensive care setting. However, long-term use of these drugs is associated with significant adverse events, including increased all-cause mortality in the elderly. Inappropriate continuation of AAPs after discharge from the intensive care unit (ICU) is worrisome and needs to be addressed.

The aim of this work was to assess the prevalence of continuation of AAPs after hospital discharge and evaluate the associated risk factors.

Method:

This was a single-center retrospective chart analysis in the setting of adult ICUs at a tertiary care academic medical center. It involved all adult patients admitted to the ICU and initiated on AAPs from January 2012 to December 2014. The measurements were: (1) prevalence of ICU-initiated AAP continuation following hospital discharge, (2) risk factors associated with continuation of AAPs following hospital discharge, and (3) risk of continuation of AAPs in patients ⩾65 years of age.

Results:

A total of 55% of ICU patients initiated on AAPs were discharged from the hospital with a prescription for continued AAP therapy. Male sex and discharge location were highly associated with continuation upon discharge. Older patients (⩾65 years of age) were not at a higher risk of being continued on these drugs after discharge.

Conclusion:

Male sex and discharge to a healthcare facility were associated with a higher rate of continuation. Research into practical methods to reduce their continuation upon discharge should be performed to mitigate the long-term risks of AAP administration.

A Pharmacy-Based Electronic Handoff Tool to Reduce Discharge Prescribing of Atypical Antipsychotics Initiated in the Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Initiative

Purpose:

To evaluate whether a pharmacist-initiated electronic handoff tool can reduce the overall, and potentially inappropriate, hospital discharge prescribing rate of atypical antipsychotics (AAP) initiated in AAP-naive critically ill adults.

Methods:

This pre–post quality improvement study was initiated in 5 intensive care units (ICUs) at a large academic medical center. An electronic handoff tool (iVent) was utilized in the post-intervention period to enhance pharmacist communication at inpatient transitions of care.

Results:

Of the 358 included patients, the proportion of hospital survivors with an AAP initiated in the ICU receiving a hospital discharge prescription was not different between the pre- and post-intervention period (28.6% vs 22.2%, P = .12). The proportion of ICU survivors with an AAP continued at the time of ICU transfer to the floor was reduced post-intervention (78.7% vs 66.7%, P = .012). Additionally, the overall proportion of a patient’s hospitalization receiving an AAP was also reduced (50.4% vs 42.8%, P = .008). A multivariate logistic regression demonstrated thatutilization of the electronic handoff tool was not associated with a reduction in hospital discharge prescribing of an AAP (odds ratio [OR]: 0.97, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.57-1.65).

Conclusions:

A pharmacy-initiated electronic handoff tool may reduce the proportion of AAP-naive ICU survivors with an AAP continued at the time of ICU transfer. The handoff tool was not associated with a significant reduction in the discharge prescribing rates of AAPs for hospital survivors, but a clinically meaningful reduction was possibly achieved due to enhanced communication enabled by this tool.

Critical Care Pharmacists and Medication Management in an ICU Recovery Center

BACKGROUND

Many patients experience complications following critical illness; these are now widely referred to as post-intensive care syndrome (PICS). An interprofessional intensive care unit (ICU) recovery center (ICU-RC), also known as a PICS clinic, is one potential approach to promoting patient and family recovery following critical illness.

OBJECTIVES

To describe the role of an ICU-RC critical care pharmacist in identifying and treating medication-related problems among ICU survivors.

METHODS

A prospective, observational cohort study was conducted of all outpatient appointments of a tertiary care hospital's ICU-RC between July 2012 and December 2015. The pharmacist completed a full medication review, including medication reconciliation, interview, counseling, and resultant interventions, during the ICU-RC appointment.

RESULTS

Data from all completed ICU-RC visits were analyzed (n = 62). A full medication review was performed in 56 (90%) of these patients by the pharmacist. The median number of pharmacy interventions per patient was 4 (interquartile range = 2, 5). All 56 patients had at least 1 pharmacy intervention; 22 (39%) patients had medication(s) stopped at the clinic appointment, and 18 (32%) patients had new medication(s) started. The pharmacist identified 9 (16%) patients who had an adverse drug event (ADE); 18 (32%) patients had ADE preventive measures instituted. An influenza vaccination was administered to 13 (23%) patients despite an inpatient protocol to ensure influenza vaccination prior to discharge. A pneumococcal vaccination was administered to 2 (4%) patients.

CONCLUSIONS

Use of a critical care pharmacist resulted in the identification and treatment of multiple medication-related problems in an ICU-RC as well as implementation of preventive measures.

The effect of a medication reconciliation program in two intensive care units in the Netherlands: a prospective intervention study with a before and after design

Background

Medication errors occur frequently in the intensive care unit (ICU) and during care transitions. Chronic medication is often temporarily stopped at the ICU. Unfortunately, when the patient improves, the restart of this medication is easily forgotten. Moreover, temporal ICU medication is often unintentionally continued after ICU discharge. Medication reconciliation could be useful to prevent such errors. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the effect of medication reconciliation at the ICU.

Methods

This prospective 8-month study with a pre- and post-design was carried out in two ICU settings in the Netherlands. Patients were included when they used ≥ 1 chronic medicine and when the ICU stay exceeded 24 h. The intervention consisted of medication reconciliation by pharmacists at the moment of ICU admission and prior to ICU discharge. Medication transfer errors (MTEs) were collected and the severity of potential harm of these MTEs was measured, based on a potential adverse drug event score (pADE = 0; 0.01; 0.1; 0.4; 0.6). Primary outcome measures were the proportions of patients with ≥ 1 MTE at ICU admission and after discharge. Secondary outcome measures were the proportions of patients with a pADE score ≥ 0.01 due to these MTEs, the severity of the pADEs and the associated costs. Odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals were calculated, by using a multivariate logistic regression analysis.

Results

In the pre-intervention phase, 266 patients were included and 212 in the post-intervention phase. The proportion of patients with ≥ 1 MTE at ICU admission was reduced from 45.1 to 14.6% (OR_adj 0.18 [95% CI 0.11–0.30]) and after discharge from 73.9 to 41.2% (OR_adj 0.24 [95% CI 0.15–0.37]). The proportion of patients with a pADE ≥ 0.01 at ICU admission was reduced from 34.8 to 8.0% (OR_adj 0.13 [95% CI 0.07–0.24]) and after discharge from 69.5 to 36.2% (OR_adj 0.26 [95% CI 0.17–0.40]). The pADE reduction resulted in a potential net cost–benefit of € 103 per patient.

Conclusions

Medication reconciliation by pharmacists at ICU transfers is an effective safety intervention, leading to a significant decrease in the number of MTE and a cost-effective reduction in potential harm.

Trial registration Dutch trial register: NTR4159, 5 September 2013, retrospectively registered

Clinical Practice Guideline: Safe Medication Use in the ICU

OBJECTIVE

To provide ICU clinicians with evidence-based guidance on safe medication use practices for the critically ill.

DATA SOURCES

PubMed, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, CINAHL, Scopus, and ISI Web of Science for relevant material to December 2015.

STUDY SELECTION

Based on three key components: 1) environment and patients, 2) the medication use process, and 3) the patient safety surveillance system. The committee collectively developed Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions and quality of evidence statements pertaining to medication errors and adverse drug events addressing the key components. A total of 34 Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions, five quality of evidence statements, and one commentary on disclosure was developed.

DATA EXTRACTION

Subcommittee members were assigned selected Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome questions or quality of evidence statements. Subcommittee members completed their Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation of the question with his/her quality of evidence assessment and proposed strength of recommendation, then the draft was reviewed by the relevant subcommittee. The subcommittee collectively reviewed the evidence profiles for each question they developed. After the draft was discussed and approved by the entire committee, then the document was circulated among all members for voting on the quality of evidence and strength of recommendation.

DATA SYNTHESIS

The committee followed the principles of the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation system to determine quality of evidence and strength of recommendations.

CONCLUSIONS

This guideline evaluates the ICU environment as a risk for medication-related events and the environmental changes that are possible to improve safe medication use. Prevention strategies for medication-related events are reviewed by medication use process node (prescribing, distribution, administration, monitoring). Detailed considerations to an active surveillance system that includes reporting, identification, and evaluation are discussed. Also, highlighted is the need for future research for safe medication practices that is specific to critically ill patients.

Evidence-Based Practice in Perianesthesia Nursing: Application of the American Geriatrics Society Clinical Practice Guideline for Postoperative Delirium in Older Adults

Delirium is a pervasive and dangerous syndrome for older adults in the perianesthesia setting, occurring in up to 60% of surgical cases. The American Geriatrics Society performed a systematic review to develop recommendations for the prevention and management of postoperative delirium in older adults. The recommendations emphasize nonpharmacologic interventions with a strong focus on reducing the use of psychoactive medication. Perianesthesia nurses can serve as leaders in translating these recommendations into evidence-based practice at the bedside for older adults.

Impact of an Antipsychotic Discontinuation Bundle During Transitions of Care in Critically Ill Patients

Introduction:

Delirium affects a large proportion of patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Antipsychotics have become frequently used agents for the treatment of delirium; however, they are often continued at transitions of care. This has potential negative short- and long-term health consequences that are preventable. We investigated the antipsychotic tapering bundle’s impact on the rate of antipsychotic continuation at transitions from the medical intensive care unit (MICU).

Methods:

This was a preretrospective and postretrospective chart review that included adult patients in the MICU initiated on antipsychotic therapy for ICU delirium. A bundled multidisciplinary education program and antipsychotic discontinuation algorithm were implemented in the MICU to provide recommendations for safe and effective use of antipsychotics for ICU delirium and minimize continuation of therapy at transitions of care. Rates of antipsychotic continuation at transition from the MICU were compared between the preintervention and postintervention groups with the χ2 test.

Results:

A total of 140 patients in the prebundle group and 141 patients in the postbundle group were enrolled. Overall, baseline characteristics were similar. After implementation of the discontinuation bundle, antipsychotic continuation at MICU discharge decreased (27.9% in the prebundle group vs 17.7% in the postbundle group; P < .05). In the multivariate analysis, patients were less likely to be continued on antipsychotic therapy at MICU discharge after implementation of the bundle (odds ratio [OR]: 0.47; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.26-0.86). There were also lower rates of overall antipsychotic continuation at hospital discharge (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.18-0.89).

Conclusion:

This is the first study to demonstrate a reduction in antipsychotic continuation at transition from the MICU after implementation of an antipsychotic discontinuation bundle in ICU patients. We believe this bundle allows for safer transitions of care from the MICU and decreases unnecessary antipsychotic therapy.

Antipsychotic prescribing patterns during and after critical illness: a prospective cohort study

Background

Antipsychotics are used to treat delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) despite unproven efficacy. We hypothesized that atypical antipsychotic treatment in the ICU is a risk factor for antipsychotic prescription at discharge, a practice that might increase risk since long-term use is associated with increased mortality.

Methods

After excluding patients on antipsychotics prior to admission, we examined antipsychotic use in a prospective cohort of ICU patients with acute respiratory failure and/or shock. We collected data on medication use from medical records and assessed patients for delirium using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU. Using multivariable logistic regression, we analyzed whether age, delirium duration, atypical antipsychotic use, and discharge disposition (each selected a priori) were independent risk factors for discharge on an antipsychotic. We also examined admission Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, haloperidol use, and days of benzodiazepine use in post hoc analyses.

Results

After excluding 18 patients due to prior antipsychotic use and three who withdrew, we included 500 patients. Among 208 (42%) treated with an antipsychotic, median (interquartile range) age was 59 (49–69) years and APACHE II score was 26 (22–32), characteristics that were similar among antipsychotic nonusers. Antipsychotic users were more likely than nonusers to have had delirium (93% vs. 61%, p < 0.001). Of the 208 antipsychotic users, 172 survived to hospital discharge, and 42 (24%) of these were prescribed an antipsychotic at discharge. Treatment with an atypical antipsychotic was the only independent risk factor for antipsychotic prescription at discharge (odds ratio 17.6, 95% confidence interval 4.9 to 63.3; p < 0.001). Neither age, delirium duration, nor discharge disposition were risk factors (p = 0.11, 0.38, and 0.12, respectively) in the primary regression model, and post hoc analyses found APACHE II (p = 0.07), haloperidol use (p = 0.16), and days of benzodiazepine use (p = 0.31) were also not risk factors for discharge on an antipsychotic.

Conclusions

In this study, antipsychotics were used to treat nearly half of all antipsychotic-naïve ICU patients and were prescribed at discharge to 24% of antipsychotic-treated patients. Treatment with an atypical antipsychotic greatly increased the odds of discharge with an antipsychotic prescription, a practice that should be examined carefully during medication reconciliation since these drugs carry “black box warnings” regarding long-term use.

Valproate for agitation in critically ill patients: A retrospective study

PURPOSE

The purpose was to describe the use of valproate therapy for agitation in critically ill patients, examine its safety, and describe its relationship with agitation and delirium.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This retrospective cohort study evaluated critically ill adults treated with valproate for agitation from December 2012 through February 2015. Information on valproate prescribing practices and safety was collected. Incidence of agitation, delirium, and concomitant psychoactive medication use was compared between valproate day 1 and valproate day 3. Concomitant psychoactive medication use was analyzed using mixed models.

RESULTS

Fifty-three patients were evaluated. The median day of valproate therapy initiation was ICU day 7, and it was continued for a median of 7 days. The median maintenance dose was 1500 mg/d (23 mg/kg/d). The incidence of agitation (96% vs 61%, P < .0001) and delirium (68% vs 49%, P = .012) significantly decreased by valproate day 3. Treatment with opioids (77% vs 65%, P = .02) and dexmedetomidine (47% vs 24%, P = .004) also decreased. In mixed models analyses, valproate therapy was associated with reduced fentanyl equivalents (-185 μg/d, P = .0003) and lorazepam equivalents (-2.1 mg/d, P = .0004). Hyperammonemia (19%) and thrombocytopenia (13%) were the most commonly observed adverse effects.

CONCLUSIONS

Valproate therapy was associated with a reduction in agitation, delirium, and concomitant psychoactive medication use within 48 hours of initiation.

Evaluation of Neuroleptic Utilization in the Intensive Care Unit During Transitions of Care

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors associated with inappropriate continuation of neuroleptics postdischarge from the intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed including all patients greater than 18 years of age who received neuroleptic medications in an ICU.

RESULTS

One hundred sixty-one patients were included during the 12- month study period. There were 85 (53%) patients discharged from the ICU with inappropriate continuation of a neuroleptic medication. There were 54 (34%) patients discharged from the hospital with inappropriate continuation of a neuroleptic medication. Patients were more likely to be discharged from the ICU with an inappropriate neuroleptic if they were prescribed multiple neuroleptics ( P = .02), did not have a urine drug screen collected at admission ( P = .023), or if trazodone was utilized in their therapy ( P = .004). Patients were more likely to be discharged from the hospital with a neuroleptic if they had multiple neuroleptic orders ( P = .0001) or if trazodone was utilized in their therapy ( P = .0023).

CONCLUSION

Risk factors associated with the continuation of inappropriate neuroleptic medications upon discharge from the ICU or the hospital include multiple neuroleptic medications prescribed, the lack of a urine drug screen upon admission, and the utilization of trazodone.