Potentially inappropriate continuation of antipsychotics at hospital discharge.

What is it about?

Antipsychotics are commonly initiated in the hospital for agitation and delirium and may be inappropriately continued upon floor transfer and at discharge. We sought to evaluate the magnitude of this issue within our health care system. Ultimately, 334 patients (4%) were discharged with a new antipsychotic prescription. Patients receiving antipsychotics at discharge were more likely as an inpatient to receive quetiapine and less likely to receive haloperidol or olanzapine. Antipsychotics may be inappropriately continued in non-psychiatric patients at hospital discharge. Strategies to limit potentially unnecessary antipsychotics upon discharge should be evaluated.

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