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CMS program targets antipsychotic drug misuse in nursing homes
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An initiative announced recently by the CMS seeks to improve dementia care in nursing homes by reducing residents’ use of antipsychotic medications by 15% by the end of the year.
The medication reduction plan is part of the Partnership to Improve Dementia Care, a joint effort between the CMS, federal and state partners, providers, caregivers and other advocacy groups.
CMS data report that more than 17% of nursing home residents in 2010 received daily doses of dementia medications that exceeded recommended levels.
“A CMS nursing home resident report found that almost 40% of nursing home patients with signs of dementia were receiving antipsychotic drugs at some point in 2010, even though there was no diagnosis of psychosis,” Patrick Conway, MD, CMS chief medical officer and director of clinical standards and quality, said in a press release. “Managing dementia without relying on medication can help improve the quality of life for these residents.”
To improve care, the partnership calls for:
- Enhanced training: CMS has developed “Hand in Hand,” a training series that focuses on person-centered care and abuse prevention.
- Increased transparency: CMS will post and update data on each nursing home’s antipsychotic drug use on its website, Nursing Home Compare, beginning in July.
- Drug alternatives: CMS will emphasize nondrug options for nursing home residents, including increased physical activity, consistent staff assignments and individualized activities.
For more information, visit www.cms.gov.