Media Alert - Early Release of Results: Taking seniors off antipsychotics shows dramatic improvement in care

TORONTO, May 12 2016 /CNW/ - The Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement (CFHI) will release dramatic results from a year-long initiative reducing the inappropriate use of antipsychotic medication among seniors in long term care.

WHEN:	The results will be released on Monday, May 16, 2016 via Canada Newswire.
WHAT:	Early results from 56 long term care facilities that slashed their use of any inappropriate medication from September 2014-2015.
	A five-year forecast highlighting the impact on prescriptions, falls, ER visits, hospitalizations and healthcare cost savings if the initiative was scaled up nationally
	The troubling discrepancy across provinces concerning the use of antipsychotics in long term care facilities without a diagnosis of psychosis

Antipsychotics are often used in patients to curb resistance to care and other challenging behaviours but have been found to provide limited benefit and can cause serious harm and complications from overuse. Currently 27% of Canadians seniors in long term care are subjected to the inappropriate use of antipsychotics.

Spokespeople:

• Maureen O'Neil, President, CFHI
• Stephen Samis, Vice President, Programs, CFHI
• Regional representatives from participating long term care facilities

B-Roll will also be available featuring CFHI spokespeople, an administrator from a long term care facility, a medical director, a behavioural specialist, a patient as well as associated visuals.

About CFHI: The Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement identifies proven innovations and accelerates their spread across Canada, improving patient care, the health of Canadians and value-for-money. These innovations could save healthcare budgets over $1 billion per year. CFHI is a not-for-profit organization funded by Health Canada. Visit cfhi-fcass.ca for more information.

SOURCE Canadian Foundation for Healthcare Improvement

Elissa Freeman Phone: [phone] E-mail: [email protected]