Focusing on New Prescriptions to Reduce Benzodiazepines in Older Adults

We initiated a program to decrease the usage of benzodiazepines (BDs) among older adults (OAs) in long-term care facilities (LTCs) by identifying and immediately discontinuing initial BD prescriptions. BD use is linked to adverse outcomes, including sleep disruption, impaired motor skills, falls, fractures, cognitive decline, and the development of tolerance and dependence. We are assessing the impact of our initiative by comparing the rates of subsequent BD refills—specifically the second refill—before and after its implementation, using pharmacy claims data.