Antipsychotic medications are commonly prescribed to seniors living in CHSLDs. This is particularly true for residents with behavioural symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease and other cognitive disorders. Studies have shown however, that antipsychotics are not very effective at treating these symptoms. In fact, they appear to increase the risk of drowsiness, falls, tremors, pneumonia and stroke, among others.
Committed to improving the quality of life of seniors living in its facilities, the CIUSSS de l’Ouest-de-l’Île-de-Montréal has been involved in the OPUS-AP approach since 2019. The approach, first rolled out on a few of the residential units at Ste. Anne’s Hospital and the Centre d’hébergement Denis-Benjamin-Viger, is now used in all the CHSLDs on our territory, with more than 1400 residents benefiting from it!
What is the OPUS-AP Approach?
OPUS-AP stands for Optimizing Practices, Use, Care and Services – Antipsychotics. It is an approach that aims to reduce the use of antipsychotic medications in an effort to improve the quality of life of residents with major neurocognitive disorders who use them regularly or as needed.
Key to Success
Reducing, and in some cases totally discontinuing the administration of antipsychotic medication, is the result of concerted efforts. Among these are the implementation of interdisciplinary and coordinated frameworks for reflection, consultations with residents’ loved ones, the pursuit of non-pharmacological approaches and basic strategies such as walking, massage and diversion. At the provincial level, these initiatives are what have enabled our institution to set itself apart. Compelling proof of our healthcare staff’s commitment to providing personalized care.
A Few Stats…
213 Attempts to deprescribe antipsychotic medications
144 Discontinuations of antipsychotic medications
10 Medications that an average long-term care resident takes on a daily basis
15 Pharmacists involved in the OPUS-AP approach
Mrs. Shirley Anne Clayton , a resident at the Centre d’hébergement de LaSalle, benefits from the OPUS-AP approach. Here she is holding a therapeutic cat.