INTRODUCTION: Previous research has raised concerns about high prevalence of drug-related problems, polypharmacy and inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing in nursing homes (NHs) and confirmed lack of studies from Central and South-Eastern Europe. The aim of our study was to determine the prevalence and characteristics of polypharmacy, hyperpolypharmacy and inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing in NH residents in Croatia. METHODS: Data from 226 older NH residents from five Croatian NHs were collected using the InterRAI Long-Term Care Facilities assessment form. The prevalence and determinants of polypharmacy/hyperpolypharmacy and patterns of inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing were documented. RESULTS: The prevalence of polypharmacy (49.6%) and hyperpolypharmacy (25.7%) among NH residents was high. In our study, 72.1% of NH residents were prescribed at least one psychotropic agent, 36.7% used 2-3 psychotropics and 6.6% used 4+ psychotropics. Among benzodiazepine users (55.8%), 28% of residents were prescribed benzodiazepines in higher than recommended geriatric doses, 75% used them for the long term and 48% were prescribed concomitant interacting medications. The odds of being prescribed polypharmacy/hyperpolypharmacy were significantly higher for older patients with polymorbidity (6+ disorders, proportional odds ratio (POR) = 19.8), type II diabetes (POR = 5.2), ischemic heart disease (POR = 4.6), higher frailty (Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS ≥5); POR = 4.3) and gastrointestinal problems (POR = 4.8). CONCLUSIONS: Our research underscores the persistent challenge of inappropriate medication use and drug-related harms among older NH residents, despite existing evidence and professional campaigns. Effective regulatory and policy interventions, including the implementation of geriatrician and clinical pharmacy services, are essential to address this critical issue and ensure optimal medication management for vulnerable NH populations.

• Keywords
• Nursing home residents, geriatric deprescribing, inappropriate benzodiazepine prescribing, polypharmacy/hyperpolypharmacy, psychiatric polypharmacy/hyperpolypharmacy,
• MeSH
• Benzodiazepines * therapeutic use   adverse effects   administration & dosage   MeSH
• Homes for the Aged statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Practice Patterns, Physicians' statistics & numerical data   standards   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Inappropriate Prescribing * statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Nursing Homes * statistics & numerical data   MeSH
• Polypharmacy * MeSH
• Prevalence MeSH
• Psychotropic Drugs therapeutic use   adverse effects   MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Male MeSH
• Aged, 80 and over MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Female MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Geographicals
• Croatia epidemiology   MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Benzodiazepines * MeSH
• Psychotropic Drugs MeSH

PURPOSE: Because of the common and increasing use of antipsychotics in older adults, we aim to summarize the current knowledge on the causes of antipsychotic-related risk of falls in older adults. We also aim to provide information on the use of antipsychotics in dementia, delirium and insomnia, their adverse effects and an overview of the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic mechanisms associated with antipsychotic use and falls. Finally, we aim to provide information to clinicians for weighing the benefits and harms of (de)prescribing. METHODS: A literature search was executed in CINAHL, PubMed and Scopus in March 2022 to identify studies focusing on fall-related adverse effects of the antipsychotic use in older adults. We focused on the antipsychotic use for neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, insomnia, and delirium. RESULTS: Antipsychotics increase the risk of falls through anticholinergic, orthostatic and extrapyramidal effects, sedation, and adverse effects on cardio- and cerebrovascular system. Practical resources and algorithms are available that guide and assist clinicians in deprescribing antipsychotics without current indication. CONCLUSIONS: Deprescribing of antipsychotics should be considered and encouraged in older people at risk of falling, especially when prescribed for neuropsychiatric symptoms of dementia, delirium or insomnia. If antipsychotics are still needed, we recommend that the benefits and harms of antipsychotic use should be reassessed within two to four weeks of prescription. If the use of antipsychotic causes more harm than benefit, the deprescribing process should be started.

• Keywords
• Antipsychotics, Delirium, Dementia, Falls, Insomnia, Older adults,
• MeSH
• Antipsychotic Agents * adverse effects   MeSH
• Delirium * chemically induced   drug therapy   MeSH
• Dementia * drug therapy   chemically induced   MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders * chemically induced   drug therapy   MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Accidental Falls prevention & control   MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Aged MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Antipsychotic Agents * MeSH

An investigation of inappropriate medication use in treatment of depressivity in institutionalized older adults, based on a nurse-led evaluation of functional status and depressive symptoms in nursing home residents. Methods: A cross-sectional multicenter study was performed using records from 1087 residents cared for in fifteen nursing homes (NHs) in the Czech Republic. Inclusion criteria were being a permanent resident of one of the facilities, being 60 years of age or older, having a Geriatric Depression Scale score of 6 or more, and having a Mini Mental State examination score 10 or more. The final sample for analysis included 317 depressed NH residents. Results: 52 percent of NH residents with depressivity had no antidepressant treatment. Benzodiazepines were the only medication in 16 percent of depressed residents, and were added to antidepressant treatment in 18 percent of residents. Benzodiazepine users had significantly higher GDS scores compared to non-users (p = 0.007). Conclusion: More than half of depressed NH residents remained without antidepressant treatment. Residents inappropriately treated with benzodiazepines were more depressed than residents treated with antidepressants only, or even not treated at all. Cooperation of the interprofessional team in the screening of depressive symptoms has the potential to improve the quality of care.

• Keywords
• benzodiazepines, depression, interprofessional team, nurse, older adults,
• MeSH
• Antidepressive Agents therapeutic use   MeSH
• Benzodiazepines MeSH
• Depression * drug therapy   epidemiology   MeSH
• Nursing Homes * MeSH
• Cross-Sectional Studies MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Multicenter Study MeSH
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Antidepressive Agents MeSH
• Benzodiazepines MeSH

• Publication type
• Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't MeSH
• Editorial MeSH