Reducing antipsychotic drug prescribing for nursing home patients: A controlled trial of the effect of an educational visit

Abstract

We conducted a statewide, controlled trial of the efficacy of an educational visit in reducing antipsychotic drug prescribing for nursing home patients. Frequent antipsychotic drug prescribers were visited by a trained physician counselor who stressed known drug risks for elderly patients and suggested techniques for reducing antipsychotic drug use. Although well-received, the visit did not reduce antipsychotic drug prescribing. This negative finding suggests that future interventions address factors within the nursing home which encourage antipsychotic drug use.