Edwin Tan

Antipsychotics may be beneficial in addressing agitation and psychosis in dementia; however, there is a debate about their safety due to potential side effects and increased risk of mortality. Current guidelines don't provide enough personalised advice for doctors on how to decide if, and when, to prescribe antipsychotics to people living with dementia. Dr Tan’s research has a clear goal: to develop an evidence-based, personalised antipsychotic calculator to support clinical decisions for people living with dementia. This tool will assist doctors in determining suitability to prescribe antipsychotics based on consideration of specific risks and benefits at an individualised level.  

The study will firstly involve analysis of national datasets, so the team understand how antipsychotics are used in Australia. The team will also interview clinicians and people living with dementia and their carers to get their views on the usefulness and risks of antipsychotics. They will then develop and test statistical models in both Australian and international datasets to predict benefits and adverse outcomes of antipsychotic prescribing. Finally, these findings will inform the codesign of the personalised antipsychotic calculator and patient education resources. By doing this, Dr Tan aims to ensure that people with dementia get the right treatment, tailored individually for them, making their lives better and safer.

Dr Edwin Tan is a Senior Lecturer, School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health, and Co-Leader of the Pharmaceutical Policy Node, Charles Perkins Centre, the University of Sydney.