19.06.12
FITS cuts care home anti-psychotic use by 50%
A training programme developed by the Alzheimer’s Society is to be rolled out across 150 care homes in theUKto help reduce the over-prescription of anti-psychotics for patients with dementia.
These drugs are commonly used to treat behavioural and psychological symptoms, but a recent review by the Department of Health found that two-thirds of prescriptions were inappropriate.
The new programme, Focussed Intervention Training and Support (FITS), trains staff to deliver person-centred care to safely manage symptoms. A nine-month trial found that it reduced the use of anti-psychotics in care homes by 50% with no worsening of behavioural symptoms.
The programme is being funded by the DH and HC-One care home group. It is estimated that FITS could reach and benefit 5,000 people with dementia in theUK.
Paul Burstow, care services minister, said: “Far too many people with dementia are robbed of part of their lives because they are needlessly given anti-psychotics.
“In order to reduce this we need to make sure staff working with people with dementia understand the condition so they are able to treat the person, not just address the symptoms. That’s why we’ve put £100,000 towards this vital project.
“The Prime Minister’s Dementia Challenge has set out the coalition’s plans to make theUKa world leader in dementia care. Projects such as FITS will be vital to achieving that.”
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