scholarly journals An audit into the physical health monitoring of patients who are prescribed antipsychotics in HMP Birmingham

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S326-S326
Author(s):  
Olivia Horton ◽  
Rajesh Moholkar
Keyword(s):  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Medical Systems ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Health Checks ◽  
Computer Reminders ◽  
And Training ◽  
Health Diagnosis

AimsTo assess the compliance of physical health monitoring with NICE and Maudsley prescribing guidelines for those patients prescribed antipsychotics in HMP Birmingham. To assess secondary objectives including who prescribed the antipsychotics (GP vs psychiatrist), the indication and diagnosis they are prescribed for (licensed or otherwise) and which antipsychotics were usually prescribed.BackgroundPatients with psychosis or schizophrenia have a reduced life expectancy of 15-20 years when compared to the general population. The physical health effects of the medication prescribed for these conditions play a large role in this. Physical health monitoring and appropriate intervention is vital to reduce the discrepancy in life expectancy and improve the quality of life of these patients.MethodNotes of 105 patients in total at HMP Birmingham were reviewed to assess whether the primary outcomes of weight, waist circumference, physical observations, blood tests, medical systems review and education/lifestyle advice were done at the correct times. Secondary objectives of which antipsychotics were prescribed, the profession of the prescriber and the indication for the medications (or diagnosis) were also audited.ResultAntipsychotics were initiated by both GP's and psychiatrists. Appropriately, there were no prescriptions for clozapine. Olanzapine and quetiapine were the most common antipsychotics prescribed. Not all medications were prescribed for licensed indications and some lacked documentation of both a mental health diagnosis and indications in terms of symptoms. Average BMI of patients was overweight, with BMI ranging as high as 45. The pre-prescription, 12 weekly and annual physical health checks had poor compliance. Those that were completed in line with NICE and Maudsley guidelines were done so by coincidence at the time of diabetic reviews.ConclusionThe physical health monitoring of patients on antipsychotics in HMP Birmingham is not currently compliant with clinical guidelines. There needs to be improved systems in place for the monitoring of physical health both before prescriptions are initiated and after at the NICE recommended intervals. Amongst other actions, improved computer reminders and training of existing and new team members will be done. The monitoring requirements will be re-audited in 6 months following immediate implementation of the recommendations outlined below.

scholarly journals Musiekterapie in die opleiding en opvoeding van geestesvertraagdes

Curationis ◽  
1982 ◽  
Vol 5 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
E. Thomas
Keyword(s):  
Quality Of Life ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Social Behaviour ◽  
Mentally Retarded ◽  
Education And Training ◽  
Rhythmic Movement ◽  
Learning Ability ◽  
And Training

Music therapy involves the planned and controlled use of music to improve the quality of life of the person. It has a definite place in the education and training of mentally retarded persons. Various behaviours and concepts can be taught through music, improving both social behaviour and eventually learning ability. Rhythmic movement to music can also improve physical health and music can have a calming influence in stressful situations.

scholarly journals Off-label prescribing of quetiapine in south locality crisis teams

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S87-S87
Author(s):  
Mamta Kumari ◽  
Arun Kumar Gupta ◽  
Peter Clarke
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
General Medical Council ◽  
Evidence Base ◽  
Medical Council ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Off Label ◽  
Psychotropic Medicines

AimsThe audit was carried out to determine the frequency of off label prescribing of quetiapine and compliance with standards within Trust Policy (UHM PGN 02 PPT PGN 08) – Physical Health Monitoring of Patients Prescribed Antipsychotics and other Psychotropic Medicines, NICE CG178, General Medical Council Ethical Standards and Royal College of Psychiatrists – College Report CR210.The main objectives of the audit were to determine if:Patients have been appropriately informed of off-label status and consent recorded.Alternative licensed treatment first used/ruled out.Appropriate communication on transfer of care.Appropriate physical health monitoring completed.BackgroundQuetiapine is associated with various physical side effects. Patients should be fully informed of the expected risks and benefits of treatment, and the limited evidence base for off-label prescribing.There are additional issues around the transfer of prescribing to primary care.MethodThe sample consisted of 50 consecutive patients selected from the crisis team caseload in the month of December 2018.Data reviewed in this audit were taken from six months period.Records audited were obtained from RiO (electronic records) and prescription charts.Data collection was started in January 2019 and completed in March 2019The audit tool was a dichotomous scale questionnaire based on NICE guidelines.Result4 patients from the sample (8%) were prescribed off-label quetiapine.100% had physical health monitoring completed as per Trust policy.100% off-label indication been clearly documented in notes.100% Consent to treatment was documented.100% had medication reviewed in the previous 6 months.75% had licensed medication used or ruled out before considering off-label quetiapine use25% risks/benefits of treatment were documented as part of a patient discussion.25% had documented evidence that alternative treatment options were discussed.25% had documented evidence of Community consultant/GP consent/agreement was obtained before transfer of prescribing75% had a documented plan for review of quetiapine for treatment efficacy and side effects50% had a documented plan in place for ongoing physical health monitoringConclusionSuggested a wider audit may be required with greater patient numbers and which specifically filters for patients prescribed quetiapine.Audit result has been shared with Crisis team members, Medicines Optimisation Committee and South Locality Quality Standards Committee in the trust.

scholarly journals Improving life expectancy in people with serious mental illness: Should we place more emphasis on primary prevention?

2017 ◽  
Vol 211 (4) ◽  
pp. 194-197 ◽  
Author(s):  
Athif Ilyas ◽  
Edward Chesney ◽  
Rashmi Patel
Keyword(s):  
Cardiovascular Disease ◽  
Mental Illness ◽  
Primary Prevention ◽  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Serious Mental Illness ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Prevention Strategies ◽  
Everyday Clinical Practice ◽  
Exercise Interventions

SummaryPeople with serious mental illness have a reduced life expectancy that is partly attributable to increased cardiovascular disease. One approach to address this is regular physical health monitoring. However, physical health monitoring is poorly implemented in everyday clinical practice and there is little evidence to suggest that it improves physical health. We argue that greater emphasis should be placed on primary prevention strategies such as assertive smoking cessation, dietary and exercise interventions and more judicious psychotropic prescribing.

scholarly journals Antipsychotic monitoring in dementia: quality of completion of antipsychotic monitoring forms in an older adult mental health service

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Helen Anderson ◽  
Anna Kolliakou ◽  
Daniel Harwood ◽  
Nicola Funnell ◽  
Robert Stewart ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Psychological Symptoms ◽  
Antipsychotic Treatment ◽  
Pharmacological Interventions ◽  
Health Records ◽  
People With Dementia ◽  
Adult Mental Health Service

Aims and method To support safe prescribing of antipsychotics in dementia, antipsychotic monitoring forms were embedded into our electronic health records. We present a review of the data collected on these forms to assess prescribing and identify areas for improvement in our practice and processes. Data were extracted from the structured fields of antipsychotic initiation and review forms completed between 1 January 2018 and 31 January 2020. Results We identified gaps in practice where improvements could be made, mainly with regard to physical health monitoring (and particularly electrocardiograms, performed in only 50% of patients) and the low (less than 50%) recorded use of non-pharmacological interventions for behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. In addition, antipsychotic treatment was continued despite lack of benefit in almost 10% of reviews. Clinical implications We advocate for recommendations on physical health monitoring of people with dementia taking antipsychotics to be added to the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence guidance on dementia and the Prescribing Observatory for Mental Health (POMH-UK) national audit.

scholarly journals Testing a computerised tool to improve physical health monitoring in a medium secure forensic setting

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S222-S223
Author(s):  
Mike Smith ◽  
Mustafa Abbas
Keyword(s):  
Physical Examination ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Relevant Information ◽  
Substantial Improvement ◽  
Due Date ◽  
Blood Tests ◽  
The Past ◽  
Health Checks

AimsThis project aimed to improve adherence to regular monitoring of the physical health of inpatients within a medium secure forensic psychiatric unit. A computerised tool to remind doctors to do checks was created, which was proposed would improve adherence.BackgroundThe physical health of people with mental health problems is of some concern, with higher rates of physical comorbidity and mortality compared to the general population.The forensic inpatient population has a high burden of both severe mental illness and physical ill health, and a high medication burden with potential adverse effects on physical health.To support the health of patients in our medium secure unit, each should routinely have three physical health checks done at least every six months. These are 1) an electrocardiogram (ECG), 2) a set of blood tests and 3) a full physical examination.MethodPatient records for 26 patients across two medium secure psychiatric wards were checked for 1) an ECG, 2) a full set of blood tests and 3) a full general physical examination within the past 6 months.A tool was created that automatically calculated the next due date for each check and colour coded which were overdue (red) or within 30 days of the due date (yellow). This tool was given to the core trainees working on these wards to help them keep track of which checks needed to be done.The records for patients on the same two wards were rechecked four months later and the adherence rates compared.ResultOn both wards, for each of the three physical health checks, a substantial improvement was seen in the proportion completed within the past 6 months.ConclusionThe tool created was a useful means of presenting, in one place, relevant information needed by doctors working in medium secure forensic wards regarding physical health checks, and drawing their attention to tasks that needed to be done. This led to an improvement in the adherence to physical health monitoring in these wards. An area for future improvement was identified regarding the unit's capacity to perform ECGs in a timely manner.

scholarly journals High dose antipsychotic treatment monitoring audit

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S348-S348
Author(s):  
Jake Scott ◽  
Jose Belda
Keyword(s):  
Side Effects ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Clinical Benefit ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Antipsychotic Treatment ◽  
High Dose ◽  
Health Checks ◽  
Increased Risk ◽  
Multi Disciplinary Team

AimsTo quantify how many patients were prescribed high dose antipsychotic treatment (HDAT) and establish whether guidance for monitoring HDAT was being followed in an Assertive Outreach Team.BackgroundSevere mental health disorders are associated with significant premature mortality, predominantly due to physical health conditions. Antipsychotic medications are associated with side effects, including metabolic syndrome and QT prolongation, which increase the risk of serious physical illness. HDAT is defined as when the total dose of antipsychotics prescribed exceeds 100% of the maximum BNF dose, if each dose is expressed a percentage of its maximum dose. There is limited evidence of clinical benefit with HDAT but an increased risk of side effects. Patients prescribed HDAT should therefore be monitored for side effects and clinical benefit. Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust developed a form specifically for this purpose, to be completed in addition to a physical health assessment.MethodAll patients on caseload were audited using the electronic notes. Current inpatients were excluded, as inpatient HDAT monitoring forms are attached to paper drug charts and therefore were not available for review.ResultA total of 61 patients were audited. Nine were excluded due to being inpatients. 16 were on community treatment orders and 26 were prescribed a long-acting antipsychotic injection. 10 were prescribed clozapine. The median number of medications prescribed was one. Four patients were prescribed HDAT ranging from 117-150% of the maximum BNF dose. Of these four, one had a HDAT form but this was out of date. 39 of 52 (75%) patients audited had had a physical health assessment in the past 12 months. Two of the 13 missing a physical health assessment were on HDAT.ConclusionPhysical health monitoring should be carried out for all patients on antipsychotics, but is particularly important for patients on HDAT. This audit identified a problem in both general physical health checks and HDAT monitoring. On discussion with the multi-disciplinary team a number of barriers to appropriate physical health monitoring were identified. There was a lack of awareness within the multi-disciplinary team that patients were receiving HDAT and regarding the implications for side effects. A reliable system to highlight the need for physical health checks was also missing and the team did not have sufficient equipment to perform the necessary checks. Identifying these barriers should enable improvements in physical health and HDAT monitoring which can be re-audited.

Quality of Project Management Education and Training Programmes

2010 ◽  
Vol 1 (2) ◽  
pp. 13-25 ◽  
Author(s):  
Constanta-Nicoleta Bodea ◽  
Maria Dascalu ◽  
Melania Coman
Keyword(s):  
Project Management ◽  
Management Education ◽  
Management Training ◽  
Project Managers ◽  
Training And Education ◽  
Team Members ◽  
Training Programmes ◽  
Or Team ◽  
And Training

This paper examines the factors that influence the quality of training and education on project management. The authors present the results of two questionnaire-based surveys. The goal of the first survey was to find what factors influence the quality of project management education, according to the perspective of trainers, professors, and training providers. The respondents included Chinese and European academics and professionals, such as project managers, software developers, financial managers and professors. The respondents were not only involved in project management training but also served as team members or team managers, thus ensuring a balanced overview of theoretical and practical issues. The goal of the second survey was to explore the definition “quality” to trainees and students. Although there were small differences of perspective, both trainers and trainees have the same approach toward a qualitative project management education.

An analysis of emergency leaves of absence from a United Kingdom high secure psychiatric hospital with a view to identifying ways to reduce their number

2017 ◽  
Vol 41 (S1) ◽  
pp. S354-S354
Author(s):  
H. Blott ◽  
C. Gordon ◽  
J. Bickford ◽  
C. Ross
Keyword(s):  
Physical Health ◽  
General Public ◽  
Psychiatric Care ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Potential Cost ◽  
Secure Psychiatric Care ◽  
The Cost ◽  
And Training ◽  
Do So

IntroductionEmergency leaves of absence (ELOAs) from high secure psychiatric care are both costly and increase the risk posed to staff, patients and the general public. ELOAs were analysed to identify whether greater on-site physical health provision could reduce their number, and quantify the potential financial saving to the trust to do so.MethodAll ELOAs from Broadmoor hospital between 15.5.15–14.11.15 were assessed by a team of psychiatrists and a GP to identify whether they were “avoidable”, “unavoidable” or “potentially avoidable” if measures were taken. For the “potentially avoidable” group, we then calculated the staffing cost of these LoAs to help ascertain whether these measures would be cost effective.ResultsThere were 30 ELOAs during the period assessed, costing £79,240 (Table 1). The table also shows which additional on-site services or training may have prevented these ELOAs, and the cost saving to the trust if they had.ConclusionsThe number of ELOAs from the hospital could be reduced by increased on-site physical health provision and training. This would improve the quality of care patients receive, as well as reducing both the cost to the trust and the risk posed to staff, patients and the general public. We must also consider the large potential cost and risks associated with a patient absconding from an ELOA.

Optimising prescribing for patients with severe mental illness: the need for criteria

2019 ◽  
Vol 22 (4) ◽  
pp. 139-141
Author(s):  
Aoife Carolan ◽  
Dolores Keating ◽  
Judith Strawbridge ◽  
Cristin Ryan
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Life Expectancy ◽  
Health Outcomes ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Severe Mental Illness ◽  
Screening Tools ◽  
Physical Health Outcomes ◽  
Psychotropic Medicines ◽  
Improve Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of people with severe mental illness (SMI) is considerably shorter than those without SMI. Multimorbidity and poorer physical health outcomes contribute significantly to this health inequality. Psychotropic medicines, including antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilisers and anxiolytic medicines, are the mainstay of treatment for SMI, and overall improve life expectancy and quality of life. Optimising medicines is required to ensure adequate control of symptoms while avoiding complications and negative physical health outcomes. Screening tools would offer an opportunity to assist clinicians in decision making and optimising medicines for people with SMI, who are particularly vulnerable to medication-related problems and poorer physical health.

scholarly journals Improving physical health monitoring for out-patients on antipsychotic medication

2010 ◽  
Vol 34 (3) ◽  
pp. 91-94 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Gonzalez ◽  
Niyaz Ahammed ◽  
Robert Fisher
Keyword(s):  
Mental Illness ◽  
Inner City ◽  
Physical Health ◽  
Health Monitoring ◽  
Health Assessment ◽  
Clinical Implications ◽  
Blood Testing ◽  
Routine Blood ◽  
Physical Morbidity

Aims and methodMental illness is associated with increased physical morbidity. We aimed to assess and improve the routine blood testing of prescribed antipsychotics in out-patients from a busy London inner city area. Audit findings were presented locally to prescribers, together with educational suggestions to improve physical health assessment.ResultsInitially, the numbers monitored were low in the overall number of 126 patients included in the first audit. Following the intervention, this improved significantly in the second audit (of 106 patients).Clinical implicationsA simple one-page monitoring prompt and an educational intervention could significantly increase the adherence to routine blood-testing guidelines. Better physical screening may help reduce physical morbidity and mortality, and improve the quality of life of individuals with mental illness.

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