If you are a resident in a nursing home, what is the likelihood you will be prescribed an antipsychotic medication based on a clear indication that it is a required therapy? This question was addressed in an ICES study that looked at the prescribing rates in different Ontario nursing residences. The results published this month by the Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) showed a wide discrepancy amongst the homes.

• Dr. Paula Rochon, Senior Scientist at Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES), geriatrician, senior scientist and assistant director at the Kunin-Lunenfeld Applied Research Unit at Baycrest Centre for Geriatric Care and Professor of Geriatric Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology at University of Toronto.