342 Psychotropic medication prescriptions in a long term care setting

Abstract

Abstract Background Current practice in Ireland suggests an overreliance on psychotropic medication to treat the non-cognitive symptoms of dementia. Although it is estimated that about 30% of residents in long term care in Ireland are prescribed psychotropic medication, it appears that the process of prescribing these medications including a follow up review of the prescription could be improved. Methods 16 patients in the residential unit known to be prescribed psychotropic medication were randomly selected. All data was collected between November and December 2022. Results Overall we found that documentation was poor related to the prescription of psychotropic medications. Twenty five percent of patients had no documented indication for use of psychotropic medication. In twenty five percent of cases there was no documentation of when to give psychotropic medication. Forty three percent of patients had no specific behaviour care plans in place. Sixty eight percent of prescriptions had not been discussed at psychotropic review meeting. Seventy five percent of cases had no documentation of the risk or benefits of psychotropic use. Only one of sixteen patients had documentation of a risk benefit discussion with patient and family. Psychotropic review meetings infrequently. However this audit did demonstrate that in this long term care unit psychotropic medications were administered infrequently with only 31% of patients receiving as required psychotropic medication within the previous six weeks. Conclusion While as required psychotropic medication was infrequently administered in this long term care unit, the documentation around the prescription of these medications was poor and needs to improve. Implantation of an education programme for staff will be required prior to re-audit.