Prevalence and Precipitants of Aggression in Psychiatric Inpatient Units

2000 ◽  
Vol 34 (6) ◽  
pp. 967-974 ◽  
Author(s):  
Karen Barlow ◽  
Brin Grenyer ◽  
Olga Ilkiw-Lavalle
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Bipolar Affective Disorder ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Adjustment Disorder ◽  
Clinical Problem ◽  
Causal Factors ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Psychiatric Units ◽  
Inpatient Units

Objective: Aggression is a significant clinical problem in psychiatric facilities. The present study reviews data on aggression collected from psychiatric inpatient units in order to determine prevalence and causal factors. Method: Data on aggressive incidents were gathered from four adult psychiatric units in the Illawarra, Australia. Information obtained included diagnosis, causal factors and patient sociodemographic characteristics. Results: During the 18-month period, a total of 1269 psychiatric patients were admitted and 174 patients (13.7%) were recorded as being aggressive. Patients with bipolar affective disorder and schizophrenia had a 2.81 and 1.96 significantly increased risk of aggression, respectively, while depression and adjustment disorder conferred a significantly lower risk. Aggression was most likely to occur within 2 days of admission and length of stay was greater for aggressive than non-aggressive patients. The greater number of incidents occurred on day shift. Most patients who displayed aggression did so on one occasion, but a small proportion of total patients (6.0%) accounted for a large number of incidents (71.0%). High-risk patients were identified as those who were under 32 years of age, were actively psychotic, detained and known to have a history of aggression and substance misuse. The most frequent form of aggression was physical and staff were most often the victims. Conclusions: These results have important implications for predicting and thereby reducing inpatient aggression. Organisations need to ensure aggression management strategies are in place and periodically identify and assess the level of risk for workers.

scholarly journals Variables Associated with the Use of Coercive Measures on Psychiatric Patients in Spanish Penitentiary Centers

2014 ◽  
Vol 2014 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Girela ◽  
A. López ◽  
L. Ortega ◽  
J. De-Juan ◽  
F. Ruiz ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mentally Ill ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitals ◽  
Coercive Measure ◽  
Coercive Measures ◽  
External Assessment ◽  
Mechanical Restraint ◽  
The Family ◽  
Inpatient Units

We have studied the use of coercive medical measures (forced medication, isolation, and mechanical restraint) in mentally ill inmates within two secure psychiatric hospitals (SPH) and three regular prisons (RP) in Spain. Variables related to adopted coercive measures were analyzed, such as type of measure, causes of indication, opinion of patient inmate, opinion of medical staff, and more frequent morbidity. A total of 209 patients (108 from SPH and 101 from RP) were studied. Isolation (41.35%) was the most frequent coercive measure, followed by mechanical restraint (33.17%) and forced medication (25.48%). The type of center has some influence; specifically in RP there is less risk of isolation and restraint than in SPH. Not having had any previous imprisonment reduces isolation and restraint risk while increases the risk of forced medication, as well as previous admissions to psychiatric inpatient units does. Finally, the fact of having lived with a partner before imprisonment reduces the risk of forced medication and communication with the family decreases the risk of isolation. Patients subjected to a coercive measure exhibited a pronounced psychopathology and most of them had been subjected to such measures on previous occasions. The mere fact of external assessment of compliance with human rights slows down the incidence of coercive measures.

scholarly journals Reducing the use of high dose antipsychotic medication in acute adult inpatient psychiatric units

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S341-S341
Author(s):  
Shay-Anne Pantall ◽  
Sarah Warwicker ◽  
Lisa Brownell
Keyword(s):  
Antipsychotic Medication ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Electronic Prescribing ◽  
Antipsychotic Treatment ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Junior Doctors ◽  
List Type ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Adult Inpatient ◽  
Inpatient Units

AimsTo evaluate the use of antipsychotics, and high dose antipsychotic treatment (HDAT) in psychiatric inpatient unitsBackgroundThe Royal College of Psychiatrists published a consensus statement on high dose antipsychotic medication in October 1993. Such treatment carries an increased risk of adverse effects including towards ventricular tachycardia and sudden death.MethodA retrospective case note review of all male patients on acute adult inpatient units in a psychiatric hospital in South Birmingham on a date in June 2018 (n = 45) including review of electronic patient records and prescriptions. This was compared with the results of an earlier study, with identical methods, undertaken in June 2015.Result•In both 2015 and 2018, only a minority of patients (20% and 11% respectively) were informal.•In both 2015 and 2018, the majority of inpatients had a diagnosis of schizophrenia (54% and 67%)•In both 2015 and 2018, 93% inpatients were prescribed antipsychotic medication.•In 2015, 56% patients were prescribed HDAT. This reduced in 2018 to 16%.•This reduction in use of HDAT was almost entirely due to a reduction in the prescription of PRN antipsychotic medication.•In terms of regularly prescribed antipsychotic medication, in both years, the most commonly prescribed drug was flupentixol, with a range of other second generation oral and long acting medications being prescribed, usually at doses within BNF limits.Between the two years, there was a substantial change in the prescribing of PRN antipsychotics. In 2015, 59% individuals were prescribed at least one PRN antipsychotic (27% were prescribed two). In 2018, this reduced to 40% prescribed at least one, and only 2% being prescribed 2 PRN antipsychotics. In both years, oral quetiapine was a common choice (39% patients in 2015 prescribed oral quetiapine, and 34% in 2018). In 2015, 39% patients were prescribed oral or intramuscular aripiprazole, while this reduced to 7% in 2018.ConclusionThe vast majority of psychiatric inpatients were being prescribed antipsychotic medication. Prescription of high dose antipsychotic medication was common in 2015, and this was largely attributable to high levels of prescribing of PRN antipsychotics. Following an educational programme for junior doctors and ward nurses, and the introduction of electronic prescribing, we achieved a significant change in practice, particularly in the prescribing of PRN antipsychotics, which has reduced our patients’ risk of receiving high dose antipsychotic medication.

The effect of limited English proficiency and interpreter service use on clinical outcomes in psychiatric inpatient units

2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (5) ◽  
pp. 465-468
Author(s):  
Conor Daly ◽  
Karen Phillips ◽  
Richard Kanaan
Keyword(s):  
Length Of Stay ◽  
Clinical Outcomes ◽  
Limited English Proficiency ◽  
Service Use ◽  
English Proficiency ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Psychiatric Units ◽  
Adult Inpatient ◽  
Interpreter Service ◽  
Inpatient Units

Objective: The effects of limited English and interpreter use on clinical outcomes in mental health are poorly understood. This paper describes an exploratory study examining those effects across three adult inpatient psychiatric units, predicting it would lead to increased length of stay. Methods: Forty-seven patients with limited English proficiency (LEP) were retrospectively identified and compared with 47 patients with proficient English. Length of stay, number of consultant reviews and discharge diagnosis were recorded and compared. Results: An increased length of stay for those with LEP was not statistically significant ( p=0.155). The LEP group did undergo more consultant reviews ( p=0.036), however, and attracted different discharge diagnoses, with no primary discharge diagnoses of personality disorder made ( p=0.018). Conclusions: This study provides evidence of significant effects of limited English on both service burden and outcome.

scholarly journals Health professionals’ perceptions of how gender sensitive care is enacted across acute psychiatric inpatient units for women who are survivors of sexual violence

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Carol O’Dwyer ◽  
Laura Tarzia ◽  
Sabin Fernbacher ◽  
Kelsey Hegarty
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Sexual Violence ◽  
Health Professionals ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Models Of Care ◽  
Normalisation Process Theory ◽  
Biomedical Model ◽  
Case Study Methodology ◽  
Psychiatric Units ◽  
Inpatient Units

Abstract Background Sexual violence is a global public health issue. It is a form of gender-based violence commonly experienced by women accessing mental health services. The biomedical model has been the dominant model of care in acute psychiatric units, however, there has been a global movement towards more gender-sensitive and trauma-informed models. To date, only a small amount of research has focused on evaluating these models of care and health professionals’ experiences of providing this care. The aim of this study is to gain an in-depth understanding of healthcare professionals’ perceptions of how Gender Sensitive Care (GSC) is enacted across acute psychiatric inpatient units for women who are survivors of sexual violence. Methods This study used case study methodology and the Normalisation Process Theory (NPT) conceptual framework. NPT is a practical framework that can be used to evaluate the implementation of complex models of care in health settings. It included semi-structured interviews with 40 health professionals, document and policy reviews, and observations from four psychiatric inpatient units within a large Australian public mental health organisation. Data were examined using thematic and content analysis. Results Themes were developed under the four NPT core constructs; 1) Understanding GSC in acute psychiatric units: “Without the corridors there’s not a lot we can do”, 2) Engagement and Commitment to GSC in acute psychiatric units: “There are a few of us who have that gender sensitive lens”, 3) Organising, relating and involvement in GSC: “It’s band aid stuff”, 4) Monitoring and Evaluation of GSC in acute psychiatric units: “We are not perfect, we have to receive that feedback”. Discussion Many health professionals held a simplistic understanding of GSC and avoided the responsibility of implementing it. Additionally, the competing demands of the biomedical model and a lack of appraisal has resulted in an inconsistent enactment of GSC. Conclusions Health professionals in this study enacted GSC to varying levels. Our findings suggest the need to address each NPT construct comprehensively to adequately implement GSC.

QTc Interval in psychiatric inpatients: A retrospective study

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S468-S468
Author(s):  
N. Brondino ◽  
L. Fusar-Poli ◽  
M. Rocchetti ◽  
M. Besozzi ◽  
A. Mori ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Torsade De Pointes ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatients ◽  
Mood Stabilizers ◽  
Psychiatric Ward ◽  
Qtc Interval ◽  
Qtc Prolongation ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Significant Difference

IntroductionSeveral psychotropic medications (i.e. antipsychotics, antidepressant) have been recently associated with QTc prolongation. Despite literature data report only mild prolongation of QTc following the use of antidepressants or typical antipsychotics, post-marketing studies have clearly evidenced an increased risk of QTc prolongation and potentially lethal arrhythmias (i.e. torsade de pointes) in psychiatric patients.ObjectivesWe aimed to evaluate the prevalence of prolonged QTc and to identify potential predictors influencing QTc in a psychiatric inpatient population.MethodsMedical records of 200 patients admitted to our psychiatric ward between 2007 and 2012 were retrospectively reviewed.ResultsPrevalence of prolonged QTc at admission was very low (0.1%). No significant differences in QTc interval were observed between patients taking or not antipsychotics (P = 0.66), mood stabilizers (P = 0.36), or antidepressants (P = 0.07). A statistically significant difference was observed between patients on depot formulation and patients who were taking oral antipsychotic (P = 0.02). However, the pharmaceutical class of the medications appeared not significant.ConclusionsWe observed a very low rate of QTc prolongation in psychiatric inpatients at admission. Surprisingly we did not find a significant effect of specific medications; however, in our sample intramuscular formulation was associated with lower QTc interval.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Nutritional Intervention May Improve Body Mass Index of Malnourished Hospitalized Psychiatric Patients – A Preliminary Observation

2019 ◽  
Vol 18 (3) ◽  
pp. 256-259
Author(s):  
Hou Y.C. ◽  
Hsieh Y.L. ◽  
Tzeng I.S. ◽  
Kuo C.Y.
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Psychiatric Patients ◽  
Psychiatric Hospitals ◽  
Nutritional Intervention ◽  
Nutrition Intervention ◽  
Calorie Intake ◽  
Psychiatric Ward ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Total Calorie ◽  
Total Calorie Intake

Malnutrition is an important issue in hospitalized patients. Poor nutrition may lead to increased risk of morbidity and death, impaired mental and physical conditions, apathy, depression, self-neglect, increased risk of medical complications, increased risk of pressure ulcers, reduced immune response, delayed wound healing, longer hospital stays, and reduced quality of life. However, few studies have investigated malnutrition in psychiatric patients. Psychiatric patients are known to have an increased risk of malnutrition, but psychiatric hospitals rarely conduct physical examinations and nutritional assessments. In this preliminary study, patients from a psychiatric ward of the Taipei Tzu Chi Hospital were chosen using the Malnutrition Universal Screening Tool. We used the before-and-after analysis to test the effect of a nutrition intervention on the selected parameters. We found that patients who had an impaired nutritional status showed significant increases in body weight (mean: 43.6 ± 7.5 vs. 46.5 ± 8.2 kg; P < 0.001), BMI (mean: 16.8 ± 2.0 vs. 17.9 ± 2.1 kg/m2; P < 0.001), and total calorie intake (mean: 1128 ± 230 vs. 1378 ± 320 Kcal; P < 0.001). Nutritional intervention significantly improved body weight, BMI, and total calorie intake. Nutritional intervention may help prevent malnutrition and improve the management of psychiatric patients.

scholarly journals 302 - The Effectiveness and Safety of Electroconvulsive Therapy for Treatment Refractory Agitation or Aggression in Major Neurocognitive Disorder

2020 ◽  
Vol 32 (S1) ◽  
pp. 58-58
Author(s):  
Simon Woo ◽  
Peter Chan ◽  
Robyn E Waxman ◽  
Sarah Elmi ◽  
Mafalda Musacchio ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuropsychiatric Symptoms ◽  
Symptom Clusters ◽  
Decision Makers ◽  
Neurocognitive Disorder ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Valuable Treatment ◽  
Psychiatric Conditions ◽  
Treatment Refractory ◽  
Refractory Symptom ◽  
Inpatient Units

Introduction:Fifty to ninety percent of individuals with Major Neurocognitive Disorder (MNCD) have Neuropsychiatric Symptoms (NPS)1. Agitation and aggression are amongst the most persistent and treatment-refractory symptom clusters. Patients with these NPS are associated with increased risk of institutionalization, psychotropic medication use, caregiver burden, and mortality2.Safe and effective treatments for NPS are lacking. Consensus guidelines emphasize the initial use of non-pharmacologic approaches though supportive evidence is limited3.Extensive research has established the safety and efficacy of ECT in elderly patients with depression and other psychiatric conditions6. Clinical experience suggests that ECT is a valuable treatment option in MNCD-related treatment refractory NPS cases7-10. However, data supporting the efficacy and safety of this practice is scant.Materials and Method:Patients admitted to the geriatric psychiatry inpatient units who meet the inclusion criteria, were recruited from 2 Vancouver sites and 3 unit at Ontario Shores. These patients had an anesthesia consultation to evaluate their safety of going through ECT. Consent was obtained from their substitute decision makers. All patients enrolled are already on psychotropic medications.

Predicting the time trend of first episodes of aggressive behaviors in pediatric psychiatric inpatient units

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ping-I Lin ◽  
Carl Bonander ◽  
Kathryn Harmeyer ◽  
Patrick Kennedy ◽  
Michael Sorter ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Time Trend ◽  
Psychiatric Inpatient ◽  
Aggressive Behaviors ◽  
Inpatient Units
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