Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Society
A tough new action plan to tackle the over-prescribing of antipsychotic drugs to people with dementia has been announced by Care Services Minister Phil Hope.
The action plan responds to an independent review by Professor Sube Banerjee, commissioned by the DH. The review shows that too many people with dementia are routinely prescribed antipsychotic drugs to treat aggression and agitation, contrary to NICE guidance.
The action plan will include:
- a new National Clinical Director for Dementia
- measures to ensure people with dementia and their carers have access to psychological therapies to tackle the root of agitation and aggression
- an audit to establish definitive prescribing figures
- clear local targets to cut antipsychotics use as a result of the audit
- better regulation
- collaboration with the General Medical Council (GMC) and Royal Colleges to ensure all health and social care staff have specialist training in dementia
- joint Department and Alzheimer’s Society guidance on what to do if a family member is given antipsychotics.
Antipsychotics prescription is necessary in certain circumstances. In line with NICE guidance, the drugs should only be used when a person is a risk to themselves or others, and where all other methods have been tried. This should be for a short period of three months only, whilst a care plan is put in place.
Care Services Minister Phil Hope said: “Excellent examples of practice do exist, but our action plan will help make sure this is the norm, not the exception. We know there are situation where antipsychotic drug use is necessary – we’re not calling for a ban, but we do want to see a significant reduction in use.”
The report suggests prescriptions could be reduced by two thirds in three years. Neil Hunt, Chief Executive of the Alzheimer’s Society, has expressed his support for this reduction. “This long-awaited, landmark review is a welcome recognition of the scale of the issue and Alzheimer’s Society’s view that these drugs should only ever be used as a last resort,” he added. “The scandalous over-prescription of antipsychotic drugs leads to an estimated 1,800 deaths a year; it must end.
“Change will only be achieved with commitment from government, PCTs and health professionals and clear local targets. Almost 150,000 people are being inappropriately prescribed these drugs as a chemical restraint. Today must mark a change in dementia care.”