Feedback sought for Draft Psychotropic Medicines Standard

More than 61% of Australian aged care residents take one or more psychotropic medicines, according to The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care’s (ACSQHC). They are also frequently prescribed for people with intellectual disability.

The ACSQHC is seeking feedback to improve care for people prescribed psychotropics in the aged care and disability sectors — including those with dementia, Alzheimer’s, intellectual disability and other cognitive disability.

The draft Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard describes the key components of care that people of all ages living with cognitive disability or impairment can expect to receive in all healthcare settings to reduce the inappropriate use of psychotropic medicines.

The Commission is inviting comments from consumers, clinicians, health services and anyone with an interest in cognitive disability, cognitive impairment, aged care or disability services. An Easy Read version of the consultation is also available. Those interested can share feedback on the draft standard and supporting resources using the online survey.

Image credit: iStockphoto.com/Sergey Digaev