Ottawa hospital tries to cut down on antipsychotic drugs - Action News
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Ottawa

Ottawa hospital tries to cut down on antipsychotic drugs

A hospital in Ottawa is taking part in one of 15 pilot projects across the country to ease dementia patients off antipsychotic drugs.

Peter D. Clark Long Term Care Home 1 of 15 facilities taking part in pilot project

Anti-psychotic drugs

10 years ago
Duration 2:03
A national pilot project tries to get dementia patients off harmful drugs they may not need.
The Peter D. Clark Long Term Care Home is trying to reduce the use of antipsychotics. (CBC)
A hospital in Ottawa is taking part in one of 15 pilot projects across the countryto ease dementia patients off antipsychotic drugs.

Government statistics say 30 per cent of nursing-home patients are on the drugs despite never being diagnosed with psychosis.

Dr. Andrew Wiens, ageriatric psychiatrist at the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, told CBC News the drugs arepopular in nursing homes to treat aggressive dementia patients who scratch, kick and bite staff and family members.

Wiens will work with staff at the Peter D. ClarkLong TermCare Home in Centrepointe to reduce the use of antipsychotics.

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