Mindful use of psychotropic medicines: new standard calls for a person-centred approach

Psychotropic medicines have an important role to play in treating mental health conditions. However, these medicines are commonly used to manage behaviours of concern experienced by people with cognitive disability or impairment, despite the lack of evidence that they are effective for this purpose and their well-known risks. Whenever psychotropic medicines are used, safe use is paramount.

Today, the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care released the first national Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard.

The Standard outlines clear steps to ensure the responsible and appropriate use of psychotropic medicines in people with cognitive disability or impairment. It represents a significant step towards ensuring safer, more effective treatment practices and upholding the rights and dignity of older people and people with disability.

Tune in to our launch today to hear experts discuss informed consent, adequate assessment, best use of non-medicine strategies and how to optimise safety when psychotropic medicines are considered necessary.

Webcast event: Register to attend the virtual launch @ 12:00 – 1:00 PM AEST today

Download a copy: Psychotropic Medicines in Cognitive Disability or Impairment Clinical Care Standard

Media release: Mindful use of psychotropic medicines: new standard a lifeline for people with cognitive disability or impairment

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