Although treating depression in nursing homes is important, we must always keep in mind that the treatments themselves involve risk. Here is a link reporting on a new article on antidepressants and fall risk in nursing homes.

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/news/fullstory_120943.html

The New York Times ran a recent article on a report from the California Department of Public Health’s investigation of consultant pharmacy services in skilled nursing facilities. It highlights instances where the consultant pharmacists reportedly failed to identify potential side effects from drugs such as antipsychotics. It alleges this in part is related to the low hourly rates some facilities pay for consultant pharmacy services. See for yourself below:

http://nyti.ms/wniNUG

In order to provide the best and most comprehensive and person-centric care, it is important to know the sexual orientation and gender identity of our patients. Of course, for many of us, this is awkward information to obtain. Two Policy Focus briefs have been recently released by the Fenway Institute to educate and provide guidance for health care providers – one on Why gather data on sexual orientation and gender identity in clinical settings and one on How to gather data on sexual orientation and gender identity in clinical settings. Check them out!