Play Recording (55 minutes)
Handouts: OptimalRx When Less is More *
While polypharmacy literature primarily focuses on the elderly, research indicates between 11-60% of people with intellectual disability (ID) are also exposed to polypharmacy; whereas only 3% of people with ID has a psychosis-related disorder, an estimated 30-50% of all psychotropics prescribed are antipsychotics. Although adverse outcomes are increasing for people with ID due to suboptimal use of medications, data is limited and few strategies exists for shared decision-making in implementing non-drug interventions prior to prescribing medications. Using recommendations from the general population, we examined the issue of polypharmacy in NorthPointe’s residential program of Community Individual Living Arrangement (CILA). We conducted a comprehensive clinical review and a corresponding care plan for 20 CILA residents at highest risk for polypharmacy. We did the following: 1) used ARMOR as a functional and interactive evidence-based practice tool (Assess, Review, Minimize, Optimize, Reassess) for clinical review; 2) contracted with clinical researchers and practitioners for clinical consultation to prescribing physicians and contracted pharmacy; 3) consulted with and support individuals, guardians, and advocates; 4) provided educational series for all clinical and support staff. We will present the results and outcomes of our Optimal Rx project.attendees.
Presenters: Dina Donohue-Chase, Chief Mission Officer, NorthPointe Resources, Part of the Aspire Family.
Kristen Hudrick, Vice President of Program Services, NorthPointe Resources, Part of the Aspire Family. Kristen Hudrick has worked with adults with disabilities for 15 years at NorthPointe Resources, Part of the Aspire Family. She has a Bachelor of Arts Degree with a Major in Psychology and has been a Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) for 15 years. Currently, as the Vice-President of Program Services, she supervises nursing services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities who live in group homes. Experience working within and supervising the clinical team has educated her about the challenges relative to the health needs of this population. She is passionate about providing the best service and knows that direct care and support staff play a major role in this. Providing awareness and education to staff who provide day-to-day support is the key to success.