Effective approaches and interventions to reduce the inappropriate prescription of psychotropic medications (antipsychotics, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines) in people living with dementia in residential aged care facilities

In Australia, dementia is the second leading cause of death. Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD)are common among people with dementia (PWD). Despite limited evidence of efficacy and serious side effects, psychotropic medications are frequently prescribed to manage BPSD. This thesis aimed to investigate the effect of a specific intervention on reducing these medications and on quality of life (QoL) of residents of RACFs in Western Australia. The thesis concluded that the intervention reduced use of antipsychotic medication by 44%, achieved an optimal QoL for PWD, and was positively received by staff of RACFs.