title: Relative values.
abstract: A recent study of the use of medicines in care homes revealed a worrying level of mistakes ( Barber et al 2009 ). A sample of 256 residents, drawn from 55 homes across three areas, enabled the researchers to observe a variety of systems used to administer drugs. They were also able to examine the prescribing practices of a wide range of GPs, and dispensing by a similarly diverse range of pharmacists. The residents, reflecting the complex needs of much of the care home population, had a mean age of 85 and were taking a mean of eight medicines.
authors.affiliation: To the Relatives and Residents Association.
authors.forename: Les
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Bright