RT Journal Article
SR Electronic
T1 A pilot study testing a medication algorithm to reduce polypharmacy
JF Quality and Safety in Health Care
JO Qual Saf Health Care
FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd
SP 55
OP 58
DO 10.1136/qshc.2007.024471
VO 18
IS 1
A1 L A Mistler
A1 T A Mellman
A1 R E Drake
YR 2009
UL http://qualitysafety.bmj.com/content/18/1/55.abstract
AB Background: Polypharmacy is common in the treatment of persons with severe mental illness, yet it is not an evidence-based practice. To address this, an attempt was made to reduce medications for patients already receiving polypharmacy during an episode of acute psychiatric hospitalization.Methods: A medication-reduction algorithm was developed , based on the best available evidence regarding indications for and efficacy of medications and principles of collaborative care. A feasibility pilot study was conducted using a matched case-control design for 12 patients treated with the algorithm and 12 patients treated as usual.Results: The intervention patients were discharged on significantly fewer medications than controls; symptom reduction and length of stay did not differ significantly.Conclusion: A collaborative approach to reducing polypharmacy may reverse the trend to add medications during hospitalization.