The effect of biannual medication reviews on the appropriateness of psychotropic drug use for neuropsychiatric symptoms in patients with dementia: a randomised controlled trial.

Abstract

We studied the efficacy of biannual structured medication reviews to improve the appropriateness of psychotropic drug (PD) prescriptions for neuropsychiatric symptoms (NPS) in nursing home patients with dementia. In this randomised controlled trial, the intervention encompassed a structured multidisciplinary medication review by physician, pharmacist and nurse. During this 18-month study, the patient's medical files were assessed every 6 months. The primary outcome was the appropriateness of PD prescriptions defined by the Appropriate Psychotropic drug use In Dementia (APID) index sum score, lower scores indicating more appropriate use. At baseline, 380 patients were included, of which 222 were randomised to the intervention group. Compared to the control group, the APID index sum score in the intervention group improved significantly for all PD prescriptions (-5.28, P = 0.005). We advise the implementation of a structured, repeated medication review with the essential roles of pharmacist, physician and nurse, into daily practice. This work was supported and funded by the Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development (ZonMw). Netherlands Trial Register (NTR3569).