Psychotropics are crucial for the treatment of many psychiatric illnesses, but in older adults, these medications are frequently misused. This problem has become even more serious in the era of managed care, and the information explosion from the news media, pharmacies and pharmaceutical company advertising. The proposed videotape series will teach physicians and other caregivers to make better decisions about treating older adults with antipsychotic drugs. Our Phase I educational videotape successfully targeted one dimension of this problem: it significantly improved the capacity of physicians to recognize and manage serious neurological side effects. Phase II will expand by creating a series of four additional videotapes. This expansion will be """"""""horizontal"""""""" - aimed at teaching physicians 1) the proper selection of geriatric patients for antipsychotic drugs and 2) the recognition and management of side effects AND """"""""vertical""""""""- aimed at teaching other care givers and patients about the uses and side effects of the drugs. We have assembled an outstanding team of experts in geriatric medicine, psychiatry, nursing, psychopharmacology, education and media to accomplish these objectives. We shall market to Pharmaceutical and Managed Care Companies, Geriatric Institutions, physicians and other health care providers.

Proposed Commercial Applications

Not available

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Aging (NIA)
Type
Small Business Innovation Research Grants (SBIR) - Phase II (R44)
Project #
5R44AG013785-03
Application #
6509804
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-BBBP-5 (02))
Program Officer
Yancik, Rosemary
Project Start
1997-06-01
Project End
2005-09-30
Budget Start
2002-05-01
Budget End
2005-09-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2002
Total Cost
$469,596
Indirect Cost
Name
Mental Health Advocates, Inc.
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Boca Raton
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
33432