Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in Long-Term Care

Antipsychotic medications are sometimes used to treat the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (e.g., responsive behaviours such as aggression, anxiety, or agitation) for people living in long-term care. While the use of antipsychotics may be reasonable in some cases, there is concern that antipsychotics are prescribed for people living with dementia when they are not indicated, or when harms outweigh potential benefits. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, potentially inappropriate antipsychotic use in long-term settings has increased in Canada. Establishing a target for appropriate use of antipsychotics will enhance safety and quality of care for those living in long-term care facilities.

Canada’s Drug Agency, in collaboration with Choosing Wisely Canada, is hosting a multidisciplinary panel of experts to develop evidence-informed consensus statements on appropriate antipsychotic use rates and an interim improvement target for long-term care settings in Canada. This work aims to support long-term care facilities and appropriate use programs across the country.

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Statement of Interest