Assessing the Quality of Evidence From Randomized, Controlled Drug and Nutritional Supplement Trials Conducted Among Nursing Home Residents Between 1968 and 2004: What Can We Learn?

Given the limited number and poor quality of existing trials conducted among NH residents in this pilot study, I conclude that there is a limited body of evidence that could be used to establish quality of care standards or pay for performance criteria for drug therapy and nutritional supplements in NH. Long-term care providers face a great challenge in practicing evidence-based medicine in prescribing drugs and nutritional supplements.