Investigating intervention strategies to increase the appropriate use of benzodiazepines in elderly medical inpatients

Aims to measure the appropriateness of the prescribing of benzodiazepines and the effect of intervention strategies designed to improve the appropriate use of benzodiazepines. Crosssectional data of appropriate prescribing of benzodiazepines were assessed before and after one of three intervention strategies. Appropriateness of prescribing was assessed using an algorithm based on published evidence. Hospitals were randomly allocated to receive verbal oral communication, bulletin paper communication or control feedback no communication. The change in rate of appropriate prescribing of benzodiazepines was compared between intervention groups. Gives results and concludes by highlighting areas which can be addressed to increase the impact of intervention in future studies.