Reducing the Use of PRN Medication in In-Patient Psychiatric Hospitals

Despite lack of evidence for clinical effectiveness, the use of as required medications, commonly known as PRN (from the Latin pro re nata: for an occasion that has arisen), is a typical practice in most in-patient mental hospitals. Some researchers have argued that the use of psychotropic PRNs may expose patients to unnecessary psychotropic medications. The purpose of this literature review was to provide an overview of research regarding the effectiveness of policies, procedures and/or researcher-designed programs aimed at reducing PRN medication reliance. The article includes a review of eight research studies that met the following criteria: (a) researchers attempted to reduce or explain the high incidence of PRN medication use for behavioral related issues, and (b) researchers provided information on the use of PRN medications used. Policy and procedural changes appeared to be effective in reducing the use of PRN medications; however, weaknesses in other researcher-designed interventions may have led to insignificant findings.