2 results
Antipsychotic Optimisation on an Adult Acute Inpatient Ward: A Retrospective Audit
- Soracha Healy, Radhika Lakhani
-
- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 8 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 20 June 2022, p. S156
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Aims
Antipsychotic prescribing in acute inpatient settings is an integral part of patient care. The aim of this audit was to review optimisation of antipsychotics on an acute adult inpatient ward in South West London and St George's NHS Mental Health Trust (SWLSTG). It was ascertained how antipsychotic prescribing on an acute ward meets NICE standards, including duration of antipsychotic use prior to medication change. Furthermore, communication of medication changes was reviewed in the context of the paramount importance of collaborative decision-making in aiding adherence. NICE recommends a 4–6 week trial of antipsychotic medication at optimal dosage. However, it was hypothesised this may vary with side-effects, adherence and risk management in the inpatient environment. To establish the relationship between these factors, data were extracted regarding antipsychotic counselling, baseline physical health investigations, antipsychotic choice, dosage and duration, side-effects and treatment response.
MethodsRetrospective data analysis was conducted for patients on an acute adult inpatient ward in SWLSTG. Data extracted from Rio clinical record system and EPMA prescribing software were analysed in Excel. The inclusion criteria were patients admitted or transferred to a 20-bed acute mixed adult ward from 04/08/21 to 04/11/21 with a diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar affective disorder or nonorganic psychosis. This included patients being initiated or continued on antipsychotic medication. From 71 patients, 33 met inclusion criteria. Data were extracted regarding duration of treatment prior to changes in treatment, counselling and pre-treatment investigations. Furthermore, simple statistical analyses were carried out.
ResultsThe most commonly initiated antipsychotics on admission were olanzapine (33%), quetiapine (21%), risperidone (15%) and zuclopenthixol decanoate (15%). In those requiring change in antipsychotic regime, mean duration from the start of treatment as inpatient to first change was 11.6 days, time between first and second change 13.8 days, and between second and third change 16.0 days.
The data showed in the majority (84.6%) antipsychotics were changed or up-titrated due to inadequate response. Out of the remainder 9.6% were changed due to intolerable side effects and 5.8% due to adherence concerns. In 73% of cases counselling was attempted regarding initial medication changes.
ConclusionAntipsychotic therapy was altered more quickly than advised by NICE guidance in the acute inpatient setting evaluated. This can be explained by increased risk, need for intensive management and individual clinical factors including side effects and adherence. Collaborative decision making could be enhanced by ensuring that counselling is attempted for every patient.
An Audit of Adherence to the Pre-Referral Process for Acute Inpatient Admissions in a Male and a Female Acute Inpatient Unit Over Six Months in Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT)
- Radhika Lakhani, Selvaraj Vincent, Isaac Nyemitei-Addo, Kishan Patel-Smith, Priyavarshini Ramesh
-
- Journal:
- BJPsych Open / Volume 8 / Issue S1 / June 2022
- Published online by Cambridge University Press:
- 20 June 2022, pp. S162-S163
-
- Article
-
- You have access Access
- Open access
- Export citation
-
Aims
In view of the limited number of acute inpatient beds relative to demand in England, a thorough assessment prior to referral is paramount in ascertaining clinical need. A comprehensive risk assessment is crucial in light of patient safety and assessing risk to others. Moreover, the appropriateness of an acute bed should be considered, and whether psychiatric intensive care or forensic services may be more appropriate for the patient. In line with this, the Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust (BSMHFT) admissions policy details standards of the assessment prior to referral to acute inpatient services. Pre-referral assessment should be carried out by a multidisciplinary team including a senior doctor. It should include rationale and plan of care for admission, risk assessment and section status on admission alongside type of bed being requested. Referrals are accepted from multiple teams including Home Treatment, the Place of Safety and Liaison Psychiatry. Aim: To audit adherence to the pre-referral policy for acute inpatient admissions to a male and female ward in BSMHFT, including comprehensive assessment, plan of care and consideration of appropriate bed type.
MethodsA retrospective audit of pre-referral documentation for all admissions from April to September 2019 to a male and separate female acute inpatient unit at the Zinnia Centre, Birmingham was carried out. This included 83 male admissions and 82 female admissions. Documentation was reviewed on the clinical system Rio. Parameters reviewed included assessing clinician, assessment summary, capacity assessment, consideration of bed type, plan of care and section details.
ResultsOverall, almost half of admissions (49%) were assessed by a full Mental Health Act team, 34% by a senior psychiatric doctor and the remainder by psychiatric nurses in the referring department. An up-to-date assessment summary was completed in the majority of cases (67%) prior to referral. Risk assessments were completed in 82% of cases. 35% of cases included a detailed plan of care which met audit standards. Capacity assessment alongside outcome was documented in 13% of cases. The type of bed was only considered in 13% of cases.
ConclusionWhilst assessment and risk documentation was completed in the majority of cases, few cases had a clear plan of care and appropriateness of bed type was rarely considered in assessment. Greater adherence to the pre-referral process could facilitate treatment decisions during admission and seek to ensure a safer inpatient environment.