Posted on: October 25, 2022
Canadian Patient Safety Week October 24-28, 2022, has a focus on safer care of older adults through safety conversations and actions. As Island Health aims to achieve QI Status with Choosing Wisely Canada, reducing antipsychotic prescribing in seniors with dementia in acute care has been recognised as an area where we have room for improvement.
Antipsychotics such as quetiapine are often used to help insomnia in hospitalized seniors despite not having a recommended indication for use, not addressing the sleep concern, and often associated with adverse effects that impact the patient's health, recovery and ongoing care needs. We must be vigilant for older adult patients receiving antipsychotics and monitor for side effects. We invite you to read the ‘The Story of Mr C’ to learn more. *Island Health login required*.
To learn more about Seroquel ≠ Sleep, see our infographic and decision tree here. *Island Health login required*.
Test your knowledge of evidence based practice antipsychotic use in seniors by taking our quiz – the link is available through the Island Health Intranet *login required*.
Our team is happy to hear from you. Please feel free to contact MedStaffQI@islandhealth.ca.
Visit the Choosing Wisely page on the Medical Staff website to learn more about projects and initiatives underway at Island Health.