ABSTRACT
This chapter provides historical and current evidence of the extent of psychotropic use in aged care homes. It contrasts intervention approaches employed in Australia and overseas to reduce inappropriate use of such medications in residential aged care. These interventions include regulation and mandatory public reporting, safety warnings, medication review and education, as well as multi-disciplinary, multi-strategy focused interventions. The benefits and barriers associated with each intervention approach are identified and discussed, with the aim of integrating key lessons to address this important issue. It is argued that by actively promoting appropriate psychotropic use in residential aged care settings, the quality of care experienced by residents can only be enhanced.
