RE: Aims Test - When to do?

[Faye Jones]

Title: Aims Test - When to do?

We do the same as you, on initiation and then q6mo.  Thus far we have never had a problem at survey and we do have residents with EPS who are treated for it.  We have Psych residents for whom altering their psych meds is not an option.   Personally I am not sure if doing it with every dosage or med change would really make a difference.  Many of these types of reactions do not develop suddenly but rather with time.  The reactions that occur suddenly and severely are usually so “dramatic” they can hardly be missed.  A gradual change is more likely found with q6mo intervals and comparisons.  Besides observing for side effects is inherent in the responsibility of med administration and should be occurring on an ongoing basis not only when the AIMS is done. Of course this is just my opinion.   -----Original Message----- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Angie Palac Sent: Monday, March 22, 2004 8:07 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Aims Test - When to do?   Hi, How often are facilities doing Aims Tests on residents?  Surveyors visited Facility and stated that this test should be done when there is a change in dosage of the medication, or if there is a change in medication. There was also a resident who was displaying tardive dyskinesia and the surveyor stated that the Aims should have been done then, also.  The facility did not do the Aims test, but they did have the medication changed for this resident.  According to the facility’s policy, the Aims test is done every 6 months.  Any feedback would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again, Angie