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 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 care settings has increased in Canada. Members of the Appropriate Use Coalition jointly identified the use of antipsychotics in long-term care as a priority topic. As such, establishing a target for the appropriate use of antipsychotics is a key initiative that will enhance safety and quality of care for those living in long-term care homes. 

Canada’s Drug Agency, in collaboration with Choosing Wisely Canada and supported by the Appropriate Use Coalition, is hosting a multidisciplinary panel of experts to develop evidence-informed consensus statements on a target for long-term care homes in Canada, and an annual improvement goal, for the quality indicator “potentially inappropriate use of antipsychotics in long-term care.” This work aims to support long-term care homes and appropriate use programs across the country. 

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Statement of Interest