Developed through HOI’s work for the Aged Care Quality and Safety Commission, this paper presents key findings of a rapid literature review into contemporary evidence regarding interventions to improve the use of medications for older adults in the residential aged care setting. Psychotropic medications have been associated with many adverse outcomes for older people living in residential care and an increased number of psychotropic medications has been linked to poorer quality of life. There is promising evidence that some interventions to improve pharmacological practice can change prescribing practices, reduce medication errors, and improve attitudes toward non-pharmacological approaches to care in aged care settings.
DISCUSSION PAPER: The Better Use of Medications in Aged Care