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

• DOI: 10.1093/ageing/afy001
• Publication Date: 2018-01-29T07:07:25Z
• Authors: Klaas van der Spek; Raymond T C M Koo...; Martin Smalbrugge; Marjorie H J M G ...; Roland B Wetzels; Claudia H W Smeets; Erica de Vries; Steven Teerenstra; Sytse U Zuidema; Debby L Gerritsen
• Keywords: Geriatric psychiatry; Psychotropic drug; Medication therapy management

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