RESUMO
PURPOSE: Changes in prescribing practices following skilled nursing home (SNH) admission have not been clearly described in France. The study aimed to evaluate health status and drug use 1 year before and 1 year after admission to SNH. METHOD: People ≥ 65 years old admitted to SNH in the first quarter of 2013, covered by the national health insurance general scheme (69% of the population of this age) and still alive 1 year after admission were identified in a specific database (Resid-ehpad). Linking with the National Health Insurance Information System (SNIIRAM) allowed analysis of their health status, identified by algorithms, and changes in their use of reimbursed drugs. RESULTS: In a population of 11,687 residents (mean age: 86 years, women: 76%), the most prevalent diseases were cardiovascular/neurovascular diseases (45%) and dementias (35%). The use of certain chronic treatments (≥ 3 reimbursements/year) increased significantly (p < 0.001) after nursing home admission: antidepressants: 34 to 46%, anxiolytics: 32 to 42%, hypnotics/sedatives: 18 to 24%, antipsychotics: 10 to 21% (14 to 30% in patients with dementia). The use of lipid-modifying agents and agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system decreased significantly (33 to 24% and 44 to 37%, respectively, p < 0.001). The use of antibacterials (≥ 1 reimbursement/year) increased also significantly (p < 0.001): 45 to 61%, including quinolones (13 to 20%) and third-generation cephalosporins (10 to 18%). CONCLUSION: These results reveal increased prescribing of psychotropic drugs and antibacterials in SNH, requiring the development or sustainability of actions designed to improve prescribing practices in older people targeted by these treatments.