Abstract
Aims and MethodWe undertook an audit of hypnotic use on two functional older adult wards, followed by an educational intervention to all nursing staff and junior doctors. We then repeated the audit.ResultsOur pre-intervention audit showed a hypnotic use of 48%. This decreased to 26% for the first month following the educational intervention. Usage increased gradually in proportion to time from intervention. However, over the 4-month post-intervention period hypnotic use remained significantly lower than pre-intervention throughout the time period studied.Clinical ImplicationsAs the study is an audit there is no control group, but our results suggest regular staff education is needed to sustain a reduction in hypnotic use.
Highlights
Our pre-intervention audit showed a hypnotic use of 48%.This decreased to 26% for the first month following the educational intervention
As the study is an audit there is no control group, but our results suggest regular staff education is needed to sustain a reduction in hypnotic use
Hypnotic use is widespread in hospitals but the adverse effects of these drugs are more pronounced in older adults (Gurwitz et al, 2000), with an increased risk of morbidity and falls (Llorente et al, 2000; Grimley Evans, 2003)
Summary
Our pre-intervention audit showed a hypnotic use of 48%.This decreased to 26% for the first month following the educational intervention. Over the 4-month post-intervention period hypnotic use remained significantly lower than preintervention throughout the time period studied. Hypnotic use is widespread in hospitals but the adverse effects of these drugs are more pronounced in older adults (Gurwitz et al, 2000), with an increased risk of morbidity and falls (Llorente et al, 2000; Grimley Evans, 2003). The National Service Framework for Older People states that ‘prescribing rates for benzodiazepines should be monitored and reviewed within the local clinical audit programme’ (Department of Health, 2001).
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