Anderson H, Kolliakou A, Harwood D, Funnell N, Stewart R, Bishara D. Antipsychotic monitoring in dementia: quality of completion of antipsychotic monitoring forms in an older adult mental health service.
BJPsych Bull 2022;
46:271-277. [PMID:
36167344 PMCID:
PMC9768527 DOI:
10.1192/bjb.2021.70]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
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.
Collapse