The Committee of the National Healthcare Quality Reporting System (NHQRS) publishes an annual report on selected indicators of health service performance and outcomes. The focus is on reporting a balanced set of healthcare data that gives an overview of how our health services are performing. It is intended that the NHQRS will evolve over time to include new indicators and to respond to changing priorities. Use of benzodiazepine medicines in those over 65 years of age, particularly in women, is higher than known international averages. While the causes for these gaps are undoubtedly multifactorial, this report serves to highlight them to healthcare providers and policy makers

P.146 (& p.187) Chronic benzodiazepine usage in the community in people aged 65 years and over

Figures

74. Number of eligible patients per 1,000 with prescriptions dispensed for benzodiazepine or related drugs, aged 65 years or older, for 12 months or greater, 2013-2017

75. Number of eligible patients with prescriptions for benzodiazepines or related drugs, aged 65 years and over, for 12 months or greater, in OECD countries, 2015 or nearest year

76. Number of eligible patients per 1,000 with prescriptions dispensed for benzodiazepine or related drugs, aged 65 years or over, for 12 months or greater, by Community Health Organisation, 2017 

Table

21. Number of eligible patients per 1,000 with prescriptions dispensed for benzodiazepine or related drugs, aged 65 years or over, for 12 months or greater, by Community Health Organisation and Local Health Office, 2017