Psychotropic drug use in long-term care facilities: a review of the literature.
We reviewed 19 studies of psychotropic drug use for residents of long-term care facilities, located through a MEDLINE search of the literature published between 1978 and 1990. The review compares each study in terms of its sample, research design, and findings. The studies reviewed found that a substantial proportion of nursing home residents are taking psychotropic drugs on a regular, long-term basis and this usage is accompanied by prescribing and monitoring problems and many potential adverse risks.
Harrington
C
C
Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco 94143.
Tompkins
C
C
Curtis
M
M
Grant
L
L
D000368:Aged; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D006300:Health Services Misuse; D006801:Humans; D008134:Long-Term Care; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000592:standards / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs