Patterns of psychotropic medication use in nursing homes: surveys in Sydney, allowing comparisons over time and between countries.

Background: This study aimed to explore changes in patterns of use of psychotropic medication in Sydney nursing homes over recent years, and to compare current usage rates with those reported from other countries.

Methods: Data were obtained from 44 of the 48 nursing homes in a central Sydney health area. Researchers noted details from medication cards concerning residents' age, gender and all currently prescribed drugs, checking whether medication had been given as prescribed.