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A point prevalence study of the use of psychotropic medication in an acute general hospital

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  12 January 2016

Scott Brunero ,
Anne P. F. Wand ,
Scott Lamont  and
Lisa John
Scott Brunero*
Affiliation:
Mental Health Liaison, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
Anne P. F. Wand
Affiliation:
University of New South Wales, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Sydney, Australia
Scott Lamont
Affiliation:
Mental Health Liaison, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
Lisa John
Affiliation:
Pharmacy Department, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, NSW, Australia
*
Correspondence should be addressed to: Scott Brunero, Clinical Nurse Consultant. Mental Health Liaison, Prince of Wales Hospital, EBB, level 1 east wing, NERU, High st Randwick 2031 NSW, Australia. Phone: 61 2 9382 2797; Fax: 61 2 9382 3035. Email: [email protected].
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Abstract

Background:

There are high rates of cognitive problems and organic and functional psychiatric disorders in patients admitted to general hospital wards, which may necessitate the use of psychotropic medications. There is evidence of over-prescription of medications such as antipsychotics and antidepressants in community settings such as residential care. However, the prevalence of psychotropic use in general hospitals is unknown.

Methods:

A point prevalence study of the use of psychotropic medications in an acute general hospital was conducted by auditing medication charts for type, dose, indication, and other clinical processes associated with their use.

Results:

The files of 197 patients were audited, 139 (70%) were aged 65 years and over. Eighty-nine (45%) of patients were prescribed a psychotropic, with 35 (17.7%) antidepressants; 21 (11%) antipsychotics; 19 (10%) benzodiazepines; six (3%) mood stabilizer; five (2%) cholinesterase inhibitors; one (0.5%) anti-parkinsonian medication, and one (1%) patient on zolpidem and another patient melatonin (1%). Most prescriptions (72%) were in people 65 years and over and 27 (20%) of indications were found to be off label prescribing. There were deficits in the documentation of indications for the use of psychotropic medications and follow up arrangements.

Conclusions:

Rates of benzodiazepines use were less than that reported incomparable settings. Concerns regarding off label prescribing, under-dosing, and lack of adequate documentation of indications and follow-up instructions were raised. Given the potential adverse effects of psychotropic medication, improved governance, and education regarding their use is required.

Keywords

psychotropicgeneral hospitalmedicationelderlyprescribing
Type
Research Article
Information
International Psychogeriatrics , Volume 28 , Issue 6 , June 2016 , pp. 967 - 975
Copyright
Copyright © International Psychogeriatric Association 2016 

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