Aqualitative exploration of the chronic use of psychotropic drugs in nursing homes

Abstract

Although guidelines put forward non-pharmacological therapies and advise against the chronic use of psychotropic drugs, these are still being prescribed regularly in Belgian nursing homes. To explore the reasons for initiation, continuation and cessation of psychotropic drug treatment of elderly with dementia and behavioral problems, residing in the nursing home. Twenty-seven interviews from an earlier project were used, in which asemi-structured interview was conducted with the nursing staff, the physicians and the caretakers of eleven randomly selected residents from three nursing homes. Aqualitative analysis was performed by three independent researchers according to 'The Qualitative Analysis Guide of Leuven (QUAGOL)'. Afirst analysis focused on the process of initiation, continuation and cessation of medication. Asecond analysis compared the different participants of each interview and looked for similarities and differences. Seventeen codes were developed for four themes: (1)To initiate, to continue or to cease?; (2)Behavior; (3)Therapy; and (4)Alternatives. The reasons for initiating psychotropic drugs were reducing disruptive behavior and improving the quality of life of the resident. Acomparison between the interviewed showed that psychotropic drugs were initiated at the request of the nursing staff. Neither doctors nor nurses considered the monitoring of the drug therapy their task, and tended to pass on this responsibility. Once psychotropic drugs were started, the treatment was chronic but remained part of adynamic process in which abalance was sought between benefits and adverse effects. More insights into the behavior of the resident led to abetter treatment of the behavioral problems. Nurses play an important role in the initiation and continuation of psychotropic drugs. Physicians should take amore active role in the process of indication and monitoring of psychopharmaceuticals. Discontinuation of psychotropic drugs and the use of non-pharmacological alternatives are important bottlenecks in nursing homes. Education and training, updated practice guidelines, appropriate research, professionalization and management elements can, in acomplex interaction, change this situation for the better.