Psychiatric Drug Study. Part I - Psychiatric Ward/Unit Survey and Specialized Inpatient Alcohol Dependence Treatment Unit Survey

摘要

In June 1977, the results of the National Academy of Sciences study of the VA health-care system were published. This previous study indicated tha the prescribing and administering of drugs to psychiatric patients was at variance with the VA's own policies and guidelines on polypharmacy and recommended dosages. In response to the Antipsychotic Drug Utilization Recommendation (Recommendation 16) of the NAS report, a resurvey of prescribing practices in VA medical center psychiatric wards/units and nursing home care units was conducted in July 1978. This study is intended to be the first in a series of three reports on the 1978 survey results. The discussions contained in this report are limited to a description of the usage of psychiatric drugs on psychiatric wards/units and in specialized inpatient alchol dependence treatment units. No attempt is made to evaluate the prescribing practices or the effectiveness of treatment.