Attitudes and Knowledge of Long Term Care Nurses Toward Psychotropic Medication for the Elderly

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Abstract
The perceptions and knowledge of 314 long term care nurses regarding psychopharmacological and behavioral intervention as well as the adequacy of their clinical training were surveyed. Only 54% of the nurses perceived themselves to be involved in the decision-making process regarding the psychopharmacological treatment of their patients although 89% suggested that they should have a greater involvement. Nursing notes were seen as the most important source of information for making clinical decisions, followed by behavioral assessment and non-nursing notes. The nurses believed that most of the behavioral problems of the elderly could be treated with behavioral methods, and they indicated a desire to learn more about behavioral methods. Pharmacological treatment was seen as a treatment of choice for self-injury, aggression and clinical depression. Most nurses were able to differentiate between real and bogus side effects of psychotropic drugs, although up to a quarter of them had some problems. Most nurses stated that their pre-service preparation and in-service courses in this area were inadequate and most felt a great need for continuing education. They ranked behavioral intervention methods and clinical and side effects of psychotropic drugs as the two major areas in need of attention.

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