GOVERNMENT TAKES ACTION ON ANTIPSYCHOTIC DRUGS AND DEMENTIA
18 November 2009
12th November 2009
The Government has announced, following research conducted by Professor Banerjee, a tough new approach to tackle the over prescribing of antipsychotic drugs for people with dementia. It is estimated that 150,000 people in the UK are inappropriately prescribed antipsychotic medication.
The report has gained much media coverage with attention centring around the estimated antipsychotic medication being used as a “Chemical Cosh” for the inappropriate treatment for people with dementia at a cost to the NHS of £17 billion a year.
Care Services Minister Phil Hope said;
“It is unacceptable that antipsychotic drugs are routinely prescribed to people with dementia.”
Central to the Governments response to the report was a 7 point action plan:
▪ a new National Clinical Director for Dementia;
▪ measures to ensure people with dementia and their carers have access to psychological therapies to tackle the root of agitation and aggression;
▪ an audit to establish definitive prescribing figures;
▪ clear local targets to cut antipsychotics use as a result of the audit;
▪ better regulation;
▪ collaboration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and Royal Colleges to ensure all health and social care staff have specialist training in dementia; and
▪ joint Department and Alzheimer’s Society guidance on what to do if a family member is given antipsychotics.
Pharmacy Plus is here to help
Pharmacy Plus is committed to ensuring that your residents are receiving the most appropriate care available. Our customers can print from our website[1] a QARMA report incorporating a full medication review, which will give you details of any of your residents who may inappropriately prescribed medication, including the names of residents who are prescribed antipsychotic medication.
If you have not using our service and would like to learn more please telephone us on 0845 1211001 and we will be happy to explain the service fully.
[1] Registration is required to access the members section of the Pharmacy Plus website.