Trial of an intervention to reduce chronic benzodiazepine use among residents of aged-care accommodation.
BACKGROUND
Many residents of aged-care accommodation are chronic users of benzodiazepines. This pattern of use contradicts current guidelines and may adversely affect residents. It was hypothesised that a lasting reduction in benzodiazepine use could be achieved through a programme which involved prescribers, residents and caregivers in the change process.


OBJECTIVE
To demonstrate that an intervention which involved education and relaxation training for patients, and education of prescribers and caregivers, could reduce levels of chronic benzodiazepine use among residents of an aged-care facility.


METHODS
Two aged-care facilities from metropolitan Adelaide were chosen; one received the intervention, the other was a no-intervention comparison. Pre-test, post-test and follow-up interviews were conducted with 60 residents: 27 from the intervention setting and 33 from the comparison setting. Residents at the intervention setting were provided with relaxation skills training, and their medical practitioners and caregivers were provided with information about alternative strategies for managing sleep disturbance. Outcome measures were: the proportion of residents using benzodiazepines, total medication use, cognitive performance, emotional responsiveness, subjective health and sleep ratings and an index of well-being.


RESULTS
The proportion of participants in the intervention condition who used benzodiazepines declined significantly (from 70% to 35%); the reduction was maintained over the subsequent three months. No adverse consequences were associated with cessation of benzodiazepine use; there was improvement in emotional responsiveness among those who ceased benzodiazepine use. This structured intervention strategy is a useful approach for reducing levels of chronic benzodiazepine use among residents of aged-care accommodation.
Gilbert
A
A
Department of Community Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA.
Owen
N
N
Innes
J M
JM
Sansom
L
L
D000339:Affect / Q000187:drug effects; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001569:Benzodiazepines; D017028:Caregivers; D003071:Cognition / Q000187:drug effects; D004363:Drug Utilization; D005260:Female; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D007319:Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy; D019966:Substance-Related Disorders
D014151:Anti-Anxiety Agents; D001569:Benzodiazepines