A systematic review of quantitative studies exploring staff views on antipsychotic use in residents with dementia in care homes.

backgroundDespite significant warnings of adverse effects, antipsychotics continue to be prescribed for managing the behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in care homes. Information provided by staff working within care homes is a factor that can influence prescribing decisions in residents with BPSD.

aimThe review aimed to capture care home staff views towards antipsychotics for residents with BPSD and separately analyse tools utilized in the studies, mapping them onto the theory of planned behaviour (TPB).

methodA comprehensive literature search published in ten databases was conducted between May and July 2020 and updated in July 2021. Studies published in full with no date restriction were included and quality assessed using CROSS checklist. A thematic framework approach was applied to extract data and study tools which were then mapped onto the TPB.

resultsFourteen studies (2059 participants) were included. Findings identified four overarching themes: attitudes toward antipsychotics (e.g. antipsychotics as an appropriate strategy and effectiveness); barriers to deprescribing (e.g. lower staff education, lack of resources and time, poor medication reviews); measures implemented (e.g. nonpharmacological interventions, medication reviews); and perceived needs of staff (e.g. need for training, financial or clinical support). Identified tools addressed seven but not all components of TPB namely, behavioural, normative and control beliefs, attitude, perceived behavioural control, intention and behaviour.

conclusionThe positive attitudes toward antipsychotics, the identified barriers to deprescribing and the existing tools not addressing all components of the TPB provide the impetus for further research.