Survey of neuroleptic prescribing in residents of nursing homes in Glasgow

Abstract

In the United States concern about the often excessive use of neuroleptics in residents of nursing homes in the 1980s1 led to new legislation, which included guidelines on the use of these agents in nursing homes and also (uniquely) placed restrictions on physicians' prescribing of neuroleptics within nursing homes. We measured the prevalence of neuroleptic prescribing in nursing homes in south Glasgow and assessed what effects the American legislation might have if it were applied here. We visited 28 nursing homes in the south of Glasgow and examined the medicine dispensing sheets of all 909 residents. We identified those taking neuroleptics regularly and collected information on the drugs and dosages prescribed. We interviewed a senior member of nursing staff in each home to collect information on age, …