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    New study reveals opportunity for greater partnerships to improve medicines use for people with dementia

New study reveals opportunity for greater partnerships to improve medicines use for people with dementia

Results highlight role community pharmacy can play in medicines optimisation for residents with dementia in care homesi
4th June 2014
Published today, results of a large-scale audit of a two year service pilot reveal the positive role specially trained pharmacists can play in collaboration with GPs, nurses and care home workers in better managing the appropriate use of antipsychotic medicines for people with dementia in care homes.

According to the study, through the use of specially trained pharmacists in a pilot service, over one quarter (26%) of residents reviewed did not have any symptoms which necessitated a regular anti-psychotic medication, and in almost two thirds (58%) of cases the risk of the medication was deemed to outweigh the benefit.i In addition, the audit resulted in over 20% of residents having their anti-psychotic dose reduced, and more than 17% realising antipsychotic medication discontinuation.  The audit was undertaken by selected Boots UK pharmacists, some of whom had received additional Alzheimer’s Society training to enable them to better support people with dementia and carers.

Alistair Burns, National Clinical Director for Dementia at NHS England comments:

“The prescribing of antipsychotic drugs in people with dementia is associated with increased mortality and morbidity.  This exciting publication underscores the key role that pharmacists have in optimising prescription of medication in this potentially vulnerable population.”

The study was commissioned by Boots UK in order to demonstrate the potential added value that community pharmacy can offer, and the significant contribution this service could make to the NHS. The pilot service demonstrates how the commissioning of pharmacy services could help further improve the care of vulnerable patients who live in residential care homes, working in partnership with other healthcare professionals. Since this audit was undertaken, the government has launched […]

June 19th, 2014|
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Global elderly care in crisis

The Lancet
The world’s population is ageing rapidly at an unprecedented rate. The proportion of people aged over 60 years will double from about 11% to 22% between 2000 and 2050. Population ageing has profound implications for the burden of disease and social and health-care systems. How well prepared are countries to cope with these changing demographics? Unfortunately, current elderly care systems worldwide are already unable to address the soaring demand from fast growing numbers of older people, even in higher-income countries.

Crisis in care 2014, a report published on March 6 by Age UK, shows the depth and trend of the social care funding crisis in the UK, which has intensified over the past few years and is expected to continue unless there is substantial investment in the social care system. The findings in the report are shocking and disturbing: between 2010—11 and 2013—14, public funding for older people’s social care fell by a massive £1·2 billion (15·4% in real terms), even though it had been stagnant between 2005 and 2010. The proportion of people aged 65 years and older in receipt of social care services has declined from 15·3% in 2005—6 to 9·9% in 2012—13. In 2010—11, around 800 000 people aged 65 years and older received no support from public or private sector agencies. “The figures we have uncovered in this report are catastrophic. Older people who need help and are now not getting it are being placed at significant risk and families who care for loved ones are experiencing intolerable strain”, said Caroline Abrahams, director of Age UK.

The UK is not alone in facing an elderly care system that is on the brink of disaster. The USA is “heading towards the caregiving […]

March 2nd, 2014|
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