An Interventional Programme to Reduce Use of Antipsychotics in Dementia within Care Homes (PHDHNM006)

Dementia is a progressive condition associated with memory loss, changes in functional ability, and behaviours. For older care home residents “stress and distress associated with dementia” describes non-cognitive aspects of dementia including verbal and physical aggression, agitation, psychotic symptoms (hallucinations and delusions), sleep disturbance, and wandering. These manifestations can be difficult to manage within care home practice and can lead to inappropriate use of antipsychotics as a way of controlling difficult behavioural and psychological symptoms. In line with clinical guidance this study seeks to promote appropriate antipsychotic use and use of alternatives in the management of stress and distress associated with dementia in older care home residents. The aim of the study is to review current practices and collaboratively develop and test an educational intervention to promote the use of alternative non-pharmacological interventions. The study design is likely to adopt a mixed methods approach and must be compatible with a person centred value system that embraces relational dimensions of life within a care home and care home practice. The researcher will work closely with care home practitioners and will involve community pharmacists, physicians and other disciplines as appropriate in the co-construction and testing of the intervention. The studentship is particularly suited to a graduate with a healthcare background and clinical experience of dementia care.