A retrospective, longitudinal study of factors associated with new antipsychotic medication use among recently admitted long-term care residents.

Background: Use of antipsychotic (AP) medications is high and often inappropriate among institutionalized populations. Little is known about the correlates of new AP drug use following admission to long-term care (LTC) settings. This study investigated the frequency and correlates of new AP drug use among newly admitted LTC residents.

Algorithm of medication review in frail older people: Focus on minimizing the use of high-risk medications.

Aim: Frail older people typically suffer several chronic diseases, receive multiple medications and are more likely to be institutionalized in residential aged care facilities. In such patients, optimizing prescribing and avoiding use of high-risk medications might prevent adverse events. The present study aimed to develop a pragmatic, easily applied algorithm for medication review to help clinicians identify and discontinue potentially inappropriate high-risk medications.

Use of benzodiazepines and association with falls in older people admitted to hospital: a prospective cohort study.

Background: Hypnosedatives are commonly prescribed for anxiety and sleep problems. Changes in pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of benzodiazepines (BZDs) during ageing may increase their potential to cause adverse outcomes.

Objective: This study aimed to investigate the use of BZDs in acute care settings and explore their association with falls.