Karen Davies is the recently-retired manager of Monkstone House Care Home in Porthcawl which looks after 41 elderly residents, many with specialist dementia needs

“Initially we were asked to take part in the pilot scheme working with Sue and Swansea University to develop the profile and consequently we have been running the ADRe profile since 2013.

“During that time we have been able to greatly reduce the doses, and in most cases, discontinue antipsychotics.

“We use ADRe as part of the admission assessment so as soon as someone comes into the home we go through ADRe – looking at their vital signs, history, that kind of thing. It is then reviewed on a monthly basis as part of the care plans.

“Initially, it does take a little while to set up, but once it’s up and running it doesn’t take long to fill in and we use it in conjunction with the MAR chart (the medication administration record chart kept for each patient at care homes).

“The profile has made a great difference to our clients. It has improved their wellbeing, reduced admissions to A&E and there has been a big reduction in fractures.

“Also the staff have now got the evidence and documentation which enables them to take part in decision-making about the clients.

“It has given them the confidence to challenge GPs when they are prescribing these drugs.

“What we have found during the time we have been doing the research is that the advantages of the drugs are far outweighed by the risks.

“Using the profile has identified other problems and by looking at the profile we have been able to reduce clients’ dosages or use certain drugs more effectively.

“It has improved staff’s selfesteem. They feel they are actually contributing to residents’ quality of life and making a difference.

“It has been a huge success.”