Reducing Sedating Antihistamine Prescriptions for Elderly Patients with Acute Upper Respiratory Tract Infection
Care Process & Redesign
National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement
National Healthcare Group
31 December 2021
To reduce sedating antihistamine prescriptions for elderly patients with acute URTI from 54% to 0% over six months. Sustainable reductions in sedating antihistamine prescriptions improved patient safety significantly.
Year Submitted: 2021
Published Date: 31 December 2021
Tags: Care Process ＆ Redesign, Quality Improvement, Clinical Practice Improvement, Value Based Care, Safe Care, Adherence Rate
About this Content
Aims
To reduce sedating antihistamine prescriptions for elderly patients with acute URTI from 54% to 0% over six months.
Background
Sedating antihistamines pose risks to elderly, including falls and cognitive impairments.
Methods
Education, system reminders, and patient counseling workflows
Results
Prescription rates reduced from 54% to 12.8%, avoiding 2,800 prescriptions annually and saving $1.5 million.
Conclusion
Sustainable reductions in sedating antihistamine prescriptions improved patient safety significantly.
Lessons Learnt
Multidisciplinary collaboration and education are critical for achieving sustainable reductions.
Additional Information
NHG Quality Day 2021: Merit Award
Keywords
URTI, Sedating Antihistamines, Elderly Patients
Innovators' Details
Innovators' Details
Healthcare Cluster(s) | National Healthcare Group |
Organization(s) Involved | National Healthcare Group Polyclinics |
Platform(s) | National Healthcare Group Quality Improvement |
Healthcare Professional Group(s) | Allied Health, Nursing, Medical, Pharmacy |
Applicable Specialty or Discipline | Respiratory Therapy, Pulmonology, Pharmacology, Allergy ＆ Immunology, Geriatric Medicine |
Project Lead(s) | Ong Wen Chong |
Project Member(s) | Todd On |
Connect with this contributor!
Dr Ong Wen Chong - Wen_Chong_Ong@nhgp.com.sg