Use of physical restraints and psychotropic medications in Alzheimer special care units in nursing homes.
OBJECTIVE
This study analyzed the use of mechanical restraints and psychotropic medication in Alzheimer special care units (SCUs) in nursing homes.


METHODS
We analyzed 1993 data for more than 71,000 nursing home residents in 4 states, including more than 1,100 residents in 48 SCUs. The dependent variable in multinomial logistic regression was use of physical restraints or psychotropic medication. Models contained covariates representing facility and resident characteristics, and multivariate matching strategies were used to protect against selection bias.


RESULTS
Residents in SCUs did not differ from similar residents in traditional units in their likelihood of being physically restrained. Residents in SCUs were more likely to receive psychotropic medication.


CONCLUSIONS
With regard to the measures used in this research, the findings indicate that residents in the SCUs in the 4 study states did not receive quality of care superior to that provided to similar residents in traditional units. In fact, the results related to drug use raise the question of whether some may have received poorer care.
Phillips
C D
CD
Myers Research Institute, Menorah Park Center for Senior Living, Beachwood, Ohio 44122, USA. cphillips@myersri.com
Spry
K M
KM
Sloane
P D
PD
Hawes
C
C
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000544:Alzheimer Disease / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000451:nursing; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D012149:Restraint, Physical / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs