Students Research in Progress
Monday, October 14, 2024
01:00 PM–02:30 PM
Abstract
Introduction:
Data describing the use of psychotropic medications in children at residential treatment centers is limited. A prior study showed psychotropic medication usage decreased from admission to departure. This research can help contextualize psychotropic medication management decision-making by quantifying the number of psychotropic medications children admitted are prescribed upon admission and discharge.
Research Question or Hypothesis:
How does the utilization of psychotropic medications change in pediatric patients at a residential treatment center from admission to discharge?
Study Design:
This study was a five-year record review (2015-2019). Variables collected include demographics, patient diagnoses, and medications at admission and discharge.
Methods: Data was abstracted from the electronic medical record. Patients were included if they were at the facility from 01/01/2015-12/31/2019 and stayed at least 90 days. Data was collected for each patient file and input into REDCap. Data analyses are ongoing and to date has used JMP Pro 17. Statistical analyses are primarily descriptive and include t-tests, matched pairs, and fit of least squares. P-values < 0.05 are considered significant.
Results:
A total of 263 patients were included. Medications were grouped by class, and at the time of admission, antipsychotics (such as aripiprazole) were the most commonly utilized medication (42%; n=110). There was substantial use of SSRIs (such as sertraline) (41%; n=107) and central alpha antagonists (33%; n=88) (such as guanfacine). At the time of discharge, the most commonly utilized medication was SSRIs (48%; n=125), with other commonly used classes including antidepressants (40%; n=104) (such as bupropion) and OTCs (31%; n=82) (such as melatonin). There was a non-significant mean difference between the number of medications at admission versus discharge of 0.25.
Conclusion:
Although the overall total of medications did not significantly change, the classes utilized from admission to discharge did.
Presenting Author
Kate France Biochemistry B.S., Chemistry B.A.University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy
Authors
David Ammend M.D.
Northwest Passage
Jacob T. Brown PharmD, MS
University of Minnesota College of Pharmacy