Study shows antipsychotic drugs use increased in LTC homes in first year of pandemic

While most aspects of care quality in LTC homes didn’t differ in the first year of the pandemic from pre-pandemic levels, the study shows the use of antipsychotic drugs increased in all provinces despite no significant increase in behavioural symptoms of residents. The increase was found to be greatest in Alta. and the lowest in Ont. Antipsychotic drug usage in Alta. went from 18.4% in 2019/2020 to 20% in 2020/2021. Researchers say this increase may expose a potential area of concern for quality of care.