Sparking Change in the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics Awards Program
The Sparking Change in the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics Awards Program supports long-term care homes across Canada to use person-centred approaches and reduce the potentially inappropriate use of antipsychotics for people living with dementia
Sparking Change in the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics Awards Program (Sparking Change) provides resources, coaching and financial award opportunities to up to 500 teams in long-term care (LTC) settings working to decrease the potentially inappropriate use of antipsychotic medications without a diagnosis of psychosis. Prescribing rates rose during the COVID-19 pandemic and remain high in many LTC homes, making this work more important than ever.
Improvement with impact
Long-term care homes enrolled in Sparking Change in AUA are already seeing meaningful change by rethinking how they respond to behaviours and centring care around each resident’s individual needs.
At Chartwell Crescent Gardens in British Columbia, the team reduced inappropriate antipsychotic use by 33 percent through individualized care plans, staff training and strong family engagement.
At Lewisporte Health Centre in Newfoundland and Labrador, two residents regained the ability to speak, eat and engage in daily life after antipsychotics were discontinued.
How we're supporting teams
Sparking Change recognizes the important work already underway in long-term care homes across the country. More than just a quality improvement initiative, the program offers a meaningful opportunity to:
- Improve safety, engagement, and quality of life for residents
- Build staff skills and confidence in deprescribing
- Reduce medication-related risks and adverse events
- Join a pan-Canadian network of LTC teams working toward the same goals
Running until February 2026, Sparking Change supports participating teams through a flexible program model and the chance to earn financial awards for their efforts. Teams can opt in and out to best suit their goals, based on their interest and capacity. The program curriculum includes:
- Award opportunities ranging from $2,000 to $10,000 per home
- Step-by-step tools to implement AUA practices
- Dedicated coaching to guide your progress
- Peer learning and knowledge sharing with other LTC teams
Proven Impact of the AUA approach
- In Quebec, the OPUS-AP program reduced or discontinued antipsychotic use in over 85% of participating residents with major neurocognitive disorders, without an increase in behavioural symptoms or falls
- German-Canadian Care Home (PDF) in British Columbia cut antipsychotic use from 44% to 31.6% in just over a year
- In Newfoundland and Labrador, 52% of participating residents had their antipsychotic medications reduced or discontinued, without an observed increase in aggressive behaviours
Check out our AUA Toolbox which contains resources that have helped to guide LTC homes to successful deprescribing initiatives.
Why this work matters
Antipsychotic medications are often used to manage responsive behaviours in dementia, but they can cause serious side effects like confusion, stroke, and even death.
From 2014 to 2020, the rate of potentially inappropriate antipsychotic use in LTC homes across the country fell from 27.2% to 20.2%. But the COVID-19 pandemic reversed that trend. By 2022–2023, usage rates had climbed back to 24.5%, where they remain today.
Deprescribing these medications when they no longer benefit or cause harm can improve safety and quality of life, especially with supportive care strategies. Person-centred care is a proven and safer alternative that addresses the root causes of responsive behaviors benefitting residents, care partners and care providers.
Learn more about HEC's work on the appropriate use of antipsychotics (AUA).
Expand your participation—and your impact
This offering is part of Care Forward, a larger initiative that provides funding and learning supports to drive impact on four key priorities: expanding care access, supporting aging in place, advancing person-centred long-term care and strengthening the health workforce. Teams are encouraged to explore various Care Forward offerings to boost their skills and amplify their impact.
Featured content
Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics
The Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics (AUA) approach focuses on leveraging person-centered approaches to care to deprescribing antipsychotics that no longer benefit and potentially cause harm for people living with dementia.
Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics
The Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics (AUA) approach focuses on leveraging person-centered approaches to care to deprescribing antipsychotics that no longer benefit and potentially cause harm for people living with dementia.
AUA tools and resources
The foundation of the AUA approach is providing a supportive care environment for the person with dementia, getting to know them and tailoring care to their habits and preferences. We’ve created simple tools to support any long-term care home in their efforts to use person-centred care and the AUA approach – whether they are participating in Sparking Change or on a self-guided improvement journey.
AUA tools and resources
The foundation of the AUA approach is providing a supportive care environment for the person with dementia, getting to know them and tailoring care to their habits and preferences. We’ve created simple tools to support any long-term care home in their efforts to use person-centred care and the AUA approach – whether they are participating in Sparking Change or on a self-guided improvement journey.
Why join the Sparking Change in the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics (AUA) Awards Program?
Is your long-term care (LTC) home working to reduce antipsychotic use for residents without a diagnosis of psychosis? Whether you’re just getting started or building on existing work, Healthcare Excellence Canada’s (HEC) Sparking Change in the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics (AUA) Awards Program is designed to make a meaningful impact in your home.
Why join the Sparking Change in the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics (AUA) Awards Program?
Is your long-term care (LTC) home working to reduce antipsychotic use for residents without a diagnosis of psychosis? Whether you’re just getting started or building on existing work, Healthcare Excellence Canada’s (HEC) Sparking Change in the Appropriate Use of Antipsychotics (AUA) Awards Program is designed to make a meaningful impact in your home.
Change happens in partnership
Supporting organizations across Canada are helping drive meaningful progress as part of Care Forward.
Change happens in partnership
Supporting organizations across Canada are helping drive meaningful progress as part of Care Forward.
Care Forward
A growing pan-Canadian movement where innovative strategies and shared knowledge are transforming care for over a million people across Canada.
Care Forward
A growing pan-Canadian movement where innovative strategies and shared knowledge are transforming care for over a million people across Canada.
