This study clarifies the methodological pitfalls of using cross-
sectional data to characterize episodic and continuous patterns of
prescribing psychotropic medications in nursing homes. Although more than
half of the residents in a teaching nursing home received a psychotropic
drug during their 5 years of residence, less than one- quarter were
continuously medicated. The authors conclude that although the rates of
psychotropic prescriptions are an important entry point for concerns about
quality and appropriateness of psychotropic administration to older nursing
home residents, longitudinal studies including the prescribing pattern,
indications, and efficacy are needed to determine more clinically
meaningful indicators of quality care.
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