Looking beyond the 'form' to complex interventions needed to improve end-of-life care
Article Abstract:
Those involved in end-of-life care should look beyond the 'form' to the substance to see the complex interventions needed to improve this important area of treatment. A one-page form that has been developed, the Physician Orders for Life Sustaining Treatment (POLST) is useful, but not a sufficient, step to improve medical care for the dying in long-term care facilities and to help their families. This form calls for not resuscitating residents in nursing homes. These patients need better symptom management and other palliative care.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0002-8614
Year: 1998
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The impact of regular multidisciplinary team interventions on psychotropic prescribing in Swedish nursing homes
Article Abstract:
Improved communication among the various members involved in caring for institutionalized elderly patients can reduce the use of psychotropic drug use. Psychotropic drug use was compared in 15 Swedish nursing homes that participated in a team approach to care and 18 that did not. In the homes that participated in the team approach, antipsychotic drug use dropped 19%, benzodiazepine use dropped 37% and antidepressant use dropped 59%.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0002-8614
Year: 1998
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Use of antipsychotic drugs in nursing homes: current compliance with OBRA regulations
Article Abstract:
Many nursing homes are complying with some of the provisions of the 1987 Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) governing antipsychotic drug use. Analysis of the pharmacy records of 1,573 patients at eight nursing homes revealed that 18% were receiving antipsychotic drugs. In 71% of the records, an appropriate diagnosis requiring these drugs was documented and in 90%, the dosage was within OBRA guidelines.
Publication Name: Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
Subject: Seniors
ISSN: 0002-8614
Year: 1998
User Contributions:
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