It Starts With Asking Why:

Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in Long-Term Care

Action Series– Cohort 2

A six-month Action Series aimed at improving resident quality of life with evidence-based, person-centred care.

Open to all care homes in BC. Past participants can join again for new and improved supports. Registration closes December 12, 2025.

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Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in Long-Term Care Action Series Overview

This refreshed six-month Action Series helps long-term-care homes strengthen resident quality of life through sustainable, evidence-based practices for the appropriate use of antipsychotics while supporting staff with non-pharmacological approaches to care.

By working together across the province, and with the support and guidance of Health Quality BC, we strengthen our impact and move toward the same goal providing person centered care that truly improves quality of life in long-term care.

Jenny Martin
Quality Assurance Lead, Optima Living
AUA in LTC Action Series Participant

LTC care homes will be supported to:

  • Apply the AUA in LTC Self-Assessment and Toolkit to identify opportunities for improvement, using updated resources, tools, and templates to enhance best practice.
  • Engage in interactive shared learning sessions focused on evidence-based approaches and sustainable change.
  • Practice and refine strategies using structured action period guides that help teams apply what they’ve learned in care home settings.
  • Connect with peers and experts in a Community of Practice Discussion Forum to share experiences, challenges, and lessons learned.
  • Access 1:1 coaching anytime throughout the series, when additional supports are needed.

By learning and improving together, teams create meaningful, sustainable change that enhances both resident well-being and staff experience.

Focus on 8 Key Elements that Strengthen Quality of Life in Long-Term Care

This Action Series builds on eight evidence-informed elements that have been shown to enhance resident quality of life through the appropriate use of antipsychotics. Each element provides practical focus areas to guide improvement and strengthen person-centred care.

Leadership Support

Champion improvement, align priorities, and sustain change.

Interdisciplinary Team

Collaborate across roles to understand and meet resident needs.

Care Planning & Documentation

Ensure consistent, individualized care approaches.

Staff Training & Culture

Foster staff confidence in resident care and strengthen workplace culture.

RAI Assessments

Use assessment data to inform care decisions and track progress.

Medication Reviews & Management

Regularly review medications to ensure safety and appropriateness.

Family Engagement

Involve and inform families in care decisions.

Non-Pharmacological Approaches

Implement person-centred alternatives that support comfort and well-being.

Is the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in LTC Action Series Right for You and Your LTC Home?

This Action Series is designed for long-term-care homes across BC that want to strengthen resident quality of life, enhance staff culture and ensure medications are used safely and appropriately.

It’s a good fit if your team is ready to:

  • Reflect on current medication use to identify opportunities to reduce or discontinue antipsychotics that are no longer needed.
  • Build teamwork and communication across disciplines to better understand and respond to residents’ needs.
  • Adopt sustainable, person-centred approaches that reduce harm and support comfort, dignity, and engagement.
  • Learn from peers, share successes, and celebrate progress toward safer, more compassionate care.

Each participating long-term care home will have the flexibility to focus on what matters most to their residents and staff while being supported with practical tools, coaching, and learning opportunities throughout the series.

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Expectations of Participation

To fully engage in this six-month program, participating long-term-care homes are asked to:

  • Attend all six learning sessions. 
  • Use the Action Period Guides provided to test high impact change ideas.
  • Submit the required action period homework. 
  • Complete the AUA in LTC Self-Assessment (pre, mid and post series).

These core activities are required for full participation and to ensure teams gain the most value from the Action Series.

Additional Information

  • There will be an AUA Community of Practice Discussion Forum to ask questions and share experiences with other participating care homes and action series support team.
  • Team leads will be asked to provide feedback through evaluation surveys to support our ongoing development of the action series and future initiatives supporting AUA.
  • Ad hoc 1:1 coaching calls will be available throughout the series. Each care home is responsible to book their own coaching call if they require additional support.
  • There is no cost to participate.
  • Participants from each LTC home will receive a Certificate of Completion.

Questions about participation or requirements?
Connect with us at longtermcare@healthqualitybc.ca.

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Timeline of the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in LTC Action Series

From January to June 2026, the Action Series will focus on eight key elements and include six monthly sessions, each followed by an action period and team submission.

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TIMELINE

Learning Sessions: 900-1100 PT

January 15, 2026
Learning
Session
January 16-26, 2026
Action Period
February 5, 2026
Learning Session
February 6-26, 2026
Action Period
March 5, 2026
Learning Session
March 6-26, 2026
Action Period
April 9, 2026
Learning Session
April 10-30, 2026
Action Period
May 7, 2026
Learning Session
May 8-28, 2026
Action Period
June 4, 2026
Learning Session
June 5-25, 2026
Action Period

Registration for the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in Long-Term Care Action Series

Advance resident quality of life and staff well-being through evidence-based, person-centred approaches to antipsychotic use in long-term care.

Register by December 12, 2025.

Have questions about the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics in Long-Term Care Action Series?
Email us at longtermcare@healthqualitybc.ca.