scholarly journals Audit on use of PRN (pro re nata) psychotropic medication for behavioural disturbance in individuals with intellectual disability in the community

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S75-S76
Author(s):  
Asha Dhandapani ◽  
Sathyan Soundararajan ◽  
Claire Jones
Keyword(s):  
Psychotropic Medication ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Professional Staff ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
List Type ◽  
Staff Nurse ◽  
Behavioural Disturbance ◽  
Medical File ◽  
Clear Cut

AimsPsychotropic medication is commonly used in people with Intellectual disabilities (ID). This may be attributed in part to an increased prevalence of mental illness in this population and the presence of challenging behaviour which has been shown to increase rates of prescribing. Whilst there are a number of studies looking at regularly prescribed medication there are few studies on “as and when” required (PRN) medication.Psychotropic medication continues to be used to manage behavioural disturbances in people with ID. Where there is no clear cut psychiatric illness, the role of psychotropic medication is an adjunct to a comprehensive multimodal treatment plan.The aim is to find out if prn psychotropic medication for behavioural disturbance is being used appropriately and safely in these individuals.MethodFiles and PRN protocols of individuals known to be using prn psychotropic medications for the management of acute episodes of agitation and behavioural problems and supported by professional staff teams was studied.We collected the data by contacting the residential homes, carers, Collecting details from case notes, from the Staff nurse who made the protocol for their patientsA questionnaire based on the standards mentioned above was developed and files and prn protocols were marked against these standards.ResultThe standards from the medical file were 100 % achieved. Thus indicating the importance of the psychotropic prn medication and documentation of the same.However, the protocol that needs to be with the patient/carers had some lacuna/deficits. Overall only in 53% of the case, standards were achieved. This needs to be highlighted to the team.The Audit gave an insight into what needs to be improved.THE FOLLOWING AREAS NEEDED IMPROVEMENT 1.There should be a prn protocol/ similar instruction to the staff about the use of prn medication(written by appropriately trained professional)2.Prn protocol should be accessible to direct care staff3.There should be a description of when to use the prn medication4.There should be a description of what non-pharmacological de-escalation methods ought to be tried before using prn/ is there a detailed behaviour support plan available5.Protocol should describe what the medication is expected to do6.Protocol should describe the minimum time between doses if the first dose has not worked7.Protocol should state the maximum dose in 24 hour period8.Use of prn should be recordedConclusionI hope this audit will help in improving the patient care with the right psychotropic prn medication, with correct doses and further details as mentioned in the standards of the protocol.We also hope to ensure that in our area, prn psychotropic medication used for agitation and behavioural disturbance is used safely, appropriately and consistently by staff teams. This would be in accordance with the guidelines.

Direct care staff knowledge about medication for individuals with intellectual disabilities

2019 ◽  
Vol 13 (3/4) ◽  
pp. 144-151
Author(s):  
Amanda Sawyer ◽  
Johanna Lake ◽  
Yona Lunsky
Keyword(s):  
Intellectual Disabilities ◽  
Psychotropic Medication ◽  
Medication Use ◽  
Medication Administration ◽  
Psychotropic Medications ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Direct Care Staff ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Adults With Intellectual Disabilities

Purpose The majority of adults with intellectual disabilities (ID) are prescribed at least one, if not multiple medications, with psychotropic medications being the most commonly prescribed. Direct care staff play an important role in psychotropic medication administration and monitoring, yet little is known about their knowledge and comfort with medication. The paper aims to discuss this issue. Design/methodology/approach A 15-item survey, focusing on self-reported knowledge and comfort with psychotropic medication, was completed by 152 direct care staff employed at three agencies providing residential services for individuals with ID across Ontario. Findings In total, 62 per cent of staff respondents reported that psychotropic medications were among the top medications regularly taken by the individuals they support, with behaviour listed as the most commonly reported reason for taking this medication. The majority of staff reported monitoring medication, however, the frequency of monitoring varied considerably. Generally, staff reported feeling comfortable and knowledgeable about medication use, but, most reported a desire for additional medication training. Originality/value This is the first Canadian study to examine staff knowledge and comfort regarding medication use, and the first study to assess PRN (“as needed”) as well as regularly administered medications.

scholarly journals Experience-Based Co-Design to Develop an Injury Prevention Intervention in Skilled Nursing Facilities

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 266-266
Author(s):  
Eleanor McConnell ◽  
Sarah Berry ◽  
Emily Hecker ◽  
Laurie Herndon ◽  
Cathleen Colon-Emeric
Keyword(s):  
Injury Prevention ◽  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Pragmatic Trial ◽  
Unintended Consequences ◽  
Skilled Nursing Facilities ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Nursing Facilities ◽  
Direct Care Staff ◽  
Skilled Nursing

Abstract Experience-based co-design (EBCD) improves clinical effectiveness and safety by incorporating end-user perspectives in the design of clinical interventions. To refine a centralized, multi-component fall-related injury prevention service (IPS) to be tested in skilled nursing facilities (SNFs) in a pragmatic trial, we employed a modified EBCD process. We first conducted in-depth interviews with SNF residents, family members, and staff (n = 28; three facilities in two states) regarding their experiences in falls prevention. We then engaged these and other stakeholders from multiple institutions (n=4) in a day-long co-design workshop with our interdisciplinary research team. Building upon themes drawn from the analysis of interviews, we targeted three intervention components that were refined during the workshop: de-prescribing process, osteoporosis treatment, and educational videoconferences. Key outcomes from the ECBD process included development of strategies to ensure that: (1) residents, families, and SNF staff are involved in communication about residents identified as high risk for fall-related injury, and in related treatment decisions; (2) approaches to monitoring for unintended consequences from the injury prevention plan are clearly understood by direct care staff and are compatible with existing workflow; (3) treatment plan risks and benefits are presented in a manner easily understood by stakeholders; and (4) staff education conferences build trust with the IPS nurse and provide direct care staff with support and advice about challenging cases. EBCD is a feasible approach to strengthen intervention development in SNFs and can lead to testable new ideas for protocol refinement to address diverse stakeholder perspectives.

scholarly journals Inter-professional agreement and collaboration between extended scope physiotherapists and orthopaedic surgeons in an orthopaedic outpatient shoulder clinic – a mixed methods study

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Merete Nørgaard Madsen ◽  
Maria Lange Kirkegaard ◽  
Thomas Martin Klebe ◽  
Charlotte Lorenzen Linnebjerg ◽  
Søren Martin Riis Villumsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Treatment Plan ◽  
Random Order ◽  
Primary Diagnosis ◽  
Diagnosis And Treatment ◽  
List Type ◽  
Professional Collaboration ◽  
Relational Coordination ◽  
Orthopaedic Surgeons ◽  
Link Type ◽  
Shoulder Disorders

Abstract Background Extended scope physiotherapists (ESP) are increasingly supplementing orthopaedic surgeons (OS) in diagnosing patients with musculoskeletal disorders. Studies have reported satisfactory diagnostic and treatment agreement between ESPs and OSs, but methodological study quality is generally low, and only few studies have evaluated inter-professional collaboration. Our aims were: 1) to evaluate agreement on diagnosis and treatment plan between ESPs and OSs examining patients with shoulder disorders, 2) to explore and evaluate their inter-professional collaboration. Methods In an orthopaedic outpatient shoulder clinic, 69 patients were examined independently twice on the same day by an ESP and an OS in random order. Primary and secondary diagnoses (nine categories) and treatment plan (five categories, combinations allowed) were registered by each professional and compared. Percentage of agreement and kappa-values were calculated. Two semi-structured focus-group interviews were performed with ESPs and OSs, respectively. Interviews were based on the theoretical concept of Relational Coordination, encompassing seven dimensions of communication and relationship among professionals. A thematic analysis was conducted. Results Agreement on primary diagnosis was 62% (95% CI: [50; 73]). ESPs and OSs agreed on the combination of diagnoses in 79% (95% CI: [70; 89]) of the cases. Partial diagnostic agreement (one professional’s primary diagnosis was also registered as either primary or secondary diagnosis by the other) was 96% (95% CI: [91; 100]). Across treatment categories, agreement varied between 68% (95% CI: [57; 79]) and 100%. In 43% (95% CI: [31; 54]) of the cases, ESP and OS had full concordance between treatment categories chosen, while they agreed on at least one recommendation in 96% (95% CI: [91; 100]). Positive statements of all dimensions of relational coordination were found. Three themes especially important in the inter-professional collaboration emerged: Close communication, equal and respectful relationship and professional skills. Conclusions In the majority of cases, the ESP and OS registered the same or partly the same diagnosis and treatment plan. Indications of a high relational coordination implying a good inter-professional collaboration were found. Our results support that ESPs and OSs can share the task of examining selected patients with shoulder disorders in an orthopaedic clinic. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03343951. Registered 10 November 2017

scholarly journals Mealtime Care for People With Dementia: What Do Nursing Home Staff Think?

2020 ◽  
Vol 4 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. 182-183
Author(s):  
James Faraday ◽  
Clare Abley ◽  
Catherine Exley ◽  
Joanne Patterson
Keyword(s):  
Nursing Homes ◽  
Ethnographic Study ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Direct Care Staff ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Comparison Approach ◽  
The Right

Abstract More and more people with dementia are living in nursing homes (NH). Often, they depend on NH staff for help with eating and drinking. It is important that staff have the skills and support they need to provide good care at mealtimes. This qualitative study explores mealtime care for people with dementia, from the perspective of NH staff. Semi-structured interviews with NH staff (n=16) were carried out in two nursing homes. The homes were chosen to have diverse characteristics: one home had a large number of beds and was part of a small local organization; the other had a small number of beds and was part of a large national organization. Various staff members were interviewed, including direct care staff, senior carers, nurses, managers, and kitchen staff. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. A constant comparison approach was taken, so that data from early interviews were explored in more depth subsequently. From the analysis, five themes emerged as important in mealtime care for people with dementia living in nursing homes: Setting the right tone; Working well as a team; Knowing the residents; Promoting autonomy and independence; Gently persevering. This work forms part of a larger ethnographic study on the topic, which includes data from residents with dementia, and family carers. Results will inform the development of a staff training intervention to optimize mealtime care for this population.

scholarly journals 12-month incidence, prevalence, persistence, and treatment of mental disorders among individuals recently admitted to assisted living facilities in Maryland

2013 ◽  
Vol 25 (5) ◽  
pp. 721-731 ◽  
Author(s):  
Quincy M. Samus ◽  
Chiadi U. Onyike ◽  
Deirdre Johnston ◽  
Lawrence Mayer ◽  
Matthew McNabney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Disorders ◽  
Assisted Living ◽  
Cognitive Disorders ◽  
Cognitive Disorder ◽  
Incidence Rates ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Care Practice ◽  
Longitudinal Impact ◽  
Incidence Prevalence

ABSTRACTBackground: To estimate the 12-month incidence, prevalence, and persistence of mental disorders among recently admitted assisted living (AL) residents and to describe the recognition and treatment of these disorders.Methods: Two hundred recently admitted AL residents in 21 randomly selected AL facilities in Maryland received comprehensive physician-based cognitive and neuropsychiatric evaluations at baseline and 12 months later. An expert consensus panel adjudicated psychiatric diagnoses (using DSM-IV-TR criteria) and completeness of workup and treatment. Incidence, prevalence, and persistence were derived from the panel's assessment. Family and direct care staff recognition of mental disorders was also assessed.Results: At baseline, three-quarters suffered from a cognitive disorder (56% dementia, 19% Cognitive Disorders Not Otherwise Specified) and 15% from an active non-cognitive mental disorder. Twelve-month incidence rates for dementia and non-cognitive psychiatric disorders were 17% and 3% respectively, and persistence rates were 89% and 41% respectively. Staff recognition rates for persistent dementias increased over the 12-month period but 25% of cases were still unrecognized at 12 months. Treatment was complete at 12 months for 71% of persistent dementia cases and 43% of persistent non-cognitive psychiatric disorder cases.Conclusions: Individuals recently admitted to AL are at high risk for having or developing mental disorders and a high proportion of cases, both persistent and incident, go unrecognized or untreated. Routine dementia and psychiatric screening and reassessment should be considered a standard care practice. Further study is needed to determine the longitudinal impact of psychiatric care on resident outcomes and use of facility resources.

Reflections on the Current Psychiatric Consultation and Referral Pattern and on the State of the Art, at Oxford Regional Centre, An Adult Mental Retardation Facility

1984 ◽  
Vol 29 (4) ◽  
pp. 306-311 ◽  
Author(s):  
Axel Russell
Keyword(s):  
Mental Retardation ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Direct Care Staff ◽  
Psychiatric Consultation ◽  
Referral Service ◽  
Consultation And Referral ◽  
Adult Mental Retardation ◽  
Care Problems

This paper investigates the utilization pattern of the psychiatric consultation and referral service provided by the author in an Adult Mental Retardation Facility over a three-year period. The services, their history and locale are described against a background of changes in attitudes towards the problems of the retarded. Rising interest by psychiatrists in the field is placed in context. A spectrum of variables is used for a statistical analysis of factors (Chi2) influencing psychiatric referrals or non-referrals of all new admissions over the period indicated (N = 98). Against a background of increasing normalization and de-institutionalization, the character and composition of the shrinking institutional population has changed. Administration and direct-care staff are now confronted with management and care problems of lower functioning retardates, presenting difficult-to-manage behaviours and severe, often multiple, handicaps. Several factors with resource and care implications are considered, affecting institutionalized as well as community placed retardates, especially in hard economic times. Findings are discussed; recommendations are made concerning the application of scarce psychiatric resources to meet changing psychiatric needs of the population, maximize services and continue community directed normalization efforts. Some caveats are sounded and further research suggested.

scholarly journals Introducing the Care Certificate Evaluation: Innovative practice

Dementia ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 19 (2) ◽  
pp. 512-517
Author(s):  
Elaine Argyle ◽  
Louise Thomson ◽  
Antony Arthur ◽  
Jill Maben ◽  
Justine Schneider ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Staff Development ◽  
Social Care ◽  
Policy Research ◽  
Research Programme ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Care Provision ◽  
Front Line ◽  
Department Of Health ◽  
Health And Social Care

Although investment in staff development is a prerequisite for high-quality and innovative care, the training needs of front line care staff involved in direct care have often been neglected, particularly within dementia care provision. The Care Certificate, which was fully launched in England in April 2015, has aimed to redress this neglect by providing a consistent and transferable approach to the training of the front line health and social care workforce. This article describes the early stages of an 18-month evaluation of the Care Certificate and its implementation funded by the Department of Health Policy Research Programme.

scholarly journals The side effects of service changes: exploring the longitudinal impact of participation in a randomised controlled trial (DOORWAYS) on staff perceptions of barriers to change

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Caroline Laker ◽  
Matteo Cella ◽  
Felicity Callard ◽  
Til Wykes
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Occupational Status ◽  
Intervention Group ◽  
Direct Care ◽  
Care Staff ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Staff Perceptions ◽  
Barriers To Change ◽  
Randomised Controlled

Abstract Background Staff and service users have expressed concerns that service improvements in U.K. mental health wards have been slow or transient. It is possible that certain changes are positive for some (e.g. service users), but negative for others (e.g. staff), which may affect implementation success. In this study, we explore whether a programme of change to improve the therapeutic milieu on mental health wards influenced staff perceptions of barriers to change, 12 months after implementation. Method A cluster randomised controlled trial called DOORWAYS was conducted on eight inner-city U.K. acute mental health wards. Randomisation was achieved using a list randomly generated by a computer. A psychologist trained ward staff (mainly nurses) to deliver evidence-based groups and supported their initial implementation. The impact of these changes was measured over 12 months (when 4 wards were randomised), according to nurses’ perceptions of barriers to change (VOCALISE), using unstructured multivariate linear regression models. This innovative analysis method allows maximum use of data in randomised controlled trials with reduced sample sizes due to substantial drop out rates. The contextual influences of occupational status (staff) and of workplace setting (ward) were also considered. Results Staff who participated in the intervention had significantly worse perceptions of barriers to change at follow up. The perceptions of staff in the control group did not change over time. In both groups (N=120), direct care staff had more negative perceptions of barriers to change, and perceptions varied according to ward. Across time, direct care staff in the intervention group became more negative than those in the control group. Conclusion Participation in this program of change, worsened staff perceptions of barriers to change. In addition, occupational status (being from the direct care group) had a negative effect on perceptions of barriers to change, an effect that continued across time and was worse in the intervention group. Those providing direct care should be offered extra support when changes are introduced and through the implementation process. More effort should be placed around reducing the perceived burden of innovation for staff in mental health wards.

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