RCN Response To Alzheimer's Society Survey On Drug Prescribing

Main Category: Alzheimer's / Dementia
Also Included In: Psychology / Psychiatry;  Mental Health
Article Date: 09 Oct 2009 - 4:00 PDT

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Dr Peter Carter, head of the RCN, responded to the Alzheimer's Society survey on prescribing of antipsychotic drugs. He said:

"This snapshot survey does not suggest that hospitals are awash with anti-psychotic drugs. It is important to realise that the majority of nurses say these are occasionally used and a quarter agree this is inappropriate. However, these are powerful drugs, and as with all strong drugs the side-effects can be dangerous. In the absence of a cure dementia is likely to affect increasing numbers of people for the foreseeable future. The important thing is that all staff administering these drugs should receive appropriate training, education and support - this will help them provide the highest standard of care for older people."

Source
Royal College of Nursing