Improving the management of BPSD in care homes
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Introduction of a pharmacy and psychosocial intervention in residential and nursing homes to limit the use of psychotropic medication to treat Behavioural and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD) – a feasibility study.
IRAS ID
160619
Contact name
Ian Maidment
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
Aston University
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 4 months, 0 days
Research summary
Older people take many different medicines. ‘Anti-psychotics’ (powerful tranquilisers) can help to manage behaviors – such as aggression - that occur in people with dementia and which may be difficult for carers to manage. However, because benefits are limited and anti-psychotics can cause significant harm, the Department of Health (DH) would like to reduce their levels of use by two-thirds. Recent data suggests that some progress has been made in reducing their usage. However, our research has shown that they are often replaced by equally harmful, mood-altering medicines (psychotropics), such as benzodiazepines (e.g. ‘Lorazepam’).
This study will assess the feasibility of a pharmacy-behaviour change intervention in limiting the use of psychotropics in residential and nursing homes and consider if a larger scale trial should be undertaken.
The intervention will involve:
- A medication review to support appropriate prescribing by an experienced specialist pharmacist.
- A behaviour change element based on education and training of care staff to support them in managing challenging behaviour without medication.Six care homes in the West Midlands will be involved in the study.
REC name
East Midlands - Nottingham 1 Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
15/EM/0314
Date of REC Opinion
15 Sep 2015
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion