While there are several initiatives underway at Island Health to optimize care for seniors across the spectrum of health care services, the Choosing Wisely Oversight Committee is focusing on the CWC recommendations 'Don’t routinely use antipsychotics to treat primary insomnia in any age group', focusing on Seniors (75+) in our acute care facilities and ‘Don't use antipsychotics as first choice to treat behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia’.
The topic of antipsychotic prescribing for seniors was one of the most talked about sessions at both the 2020 virtual symposium and our event on November 26, 2021!
Appropriate medication prescribing contributes to positive planetary health. By avoiding unnecessary and unindicated prescribing we can help reduce the environmental impacts of medication use.
Educational Materials: Clinical Decision Making and a Virtual Sim
Led by the Choosing Wisely at Island Health Antipsychotic Working Group, a suite of materials have been developed and distributed to support best prescribing practices across acute care facilities. A key area of focus is the elimination of quetiapine (Seroquel) prescribing for sleep, highlighting the acute and chronic harms associated with this drug, and providing non-pharmaceutical and pharmaceutical alternatives.
To help identify and reinforce best practices when ordering antipsychotics, the Antipsychotic Working Group has collaborated with the Island Health Simulation Team to develop a virtual simulation aimed at reducing antipsychotic use in seniors with dementia. *Island Health login required*
This simulation supports clinical decision-making in acute care regarding antipsychotic use in seniors with dementia using four different case scenarios. We encourage those caring for seniors in acute care to review the Seroquel ≠ Sleep Infographic and Decision Tree and work through this learning module simulation.
The team are available to discuss current research and best practices. Educational and informational materials are available in the table below.
The Oversight Committee have launched a new Choosing Wisely at Island Health Interactive Report to monitor progress on key Choosing Wisely initiatives including data on antipsychotic prescribing. Visit the report to see Island Health wide data or compare prescribing rates by site. *Island Health login is required*
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Learning Module: Virtual Simulation Reducing Antipsychotic Use in Seniors with Dementia – **Island Health login is required** |
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Educational Materials Seroquel ≠ Sleep Infographic and Decision Tree **Island Health login is required** |
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Choosing Wisely at Island Health Interactive Report The Choosing Wisely Interactive Report is located |
Email MedStaffQI@islandhealth.ca for more information including opportunities for involvement or to request laminated copies of our Infographic and Decision Tree for posting in your clinical area.
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Click here to return to the main Choosing Wisely at Island Health webpage |