Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is known to be associated with high healthcare resource utilisation and poor quality of life. Patients’ understanding of the disorder is considered instrumental in improving prognosis.

We produced a symptom self-management patient education strategy with a booklet and FND symptoms recording template in a community neuropsychiatry setting. We embedded this psychoeducation intervention in a post-nursing triage model of care.

A co-production cycle of patient education material was implemented as part of a Quality Improvement Project (QIP) at East Kent Neuropsychiatry Service. Year 4 medical students completed their first QIP cycle involving 4 students, 2 multidisciplinary team members and 4 patients with functional neurological presentations. An FND leaflet and symptom recording template was produced and reviewed using feedback domains such as leaflet readability, perceived usefulness, and template design. The revised version of leaflet was then pilot-tested in second QIP cycle via email or post to 12 patients awaiting their group psychology or neuropsychiatry appointments for treatment of FND. The uptake and impact of leaflet was assessed using telephone-based structured feedback collection.

The first QIP cycle included 10 participants and generated qualitative knowledge domains, providing examples of different types of FND presentations and a biological-psychological-social model explaining onset and/or recurrence of FND symptoms. Group patient feedback and co-production input allowed inclusion of the patient voice and a re-design of leaflet and symptom recording template.

The second QIP cycle involved 12 participants: feedback was collected two weeks after circulation of patient education material. Only 5 participants (42%) had read and used their education leaflet and template during this period. Patients described the booklet as useful overall, but thought it to be more useful at the point of diagnosis and referral to neuropsychiatry. Qualitatively, patients wished there to be more emphasis on FND being explained as “less psychiatric, more a neuropsychiatric problem”, and that it would be “very good for someone who had just been diagnosed”. 80% of responders rated the leaflet quality 8/10 or above. These respondents felt that the leaflet had helped them understand their condition better than they did previously. Usefulness of an additional self-formulation flowchart was rated as 8/10 or below by all patients - with several finding it difficult to use.

Our QIP supports the need for early patient education when discussing diagnosis of FND. The finding of 42% uptake within two weeks of leaflet dispatch is encouraging.

• • High Dose Antipsychotic Treatment defined as 100% of the maximum recommended dose in British National Formulary, either as single agent or in combination.

• • HDAT and poly-pharmacy may be linked to heightened mortality for psychiatric patients. The Committee on Safety of Medicines, Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency recommended ECGs, electrolyte monitoring after each dose escalation, and 6 monthly intervals.

• • The Royal College of Psychiatrists in 2006 suggested some justifiable cases of temporary poly-pharmacy with careful monitoring.

• • This audit has been done in past to improve standards, especially in High Secure Setting where prescribing HDAT is a common practice

• • To audit adherence to “HDAT monitoring guidelines” including regular monitoring of bloods, physical observations and ECG , done after every dose escalation plus at every 6 months.

• • To monitor compliance with consent to treatment documentation including reasons of being on HDAT, documentation of physical health monitoring results

• • All patients prescribed high dose antipsychotic (regular and as required) were identified by treating Consultants and also going through drug cards.

• • One year retrospective review of haematological, ECG and physical observations were identified through Electronic notes

• • 6 % of patients received HDAT within Rampton Hospital in 2018(12 males’ vs 6 females).

• • All patients on Regular HDAT had yearly TFT done whereas only 71% had prolactin monitoring done.

• • Approximately 50-60% of patients had quarterly blood monitoring including glucose, electrolytes, lipids, liver function test and full blood count.

• • About 40% of patients had quarterly ECG monitoring recorded.

• • 100% patients on regular HDAT had quarterly physical observation monitoring compared to 81% patients on HDAT (including PRN).

• • Consent forms were completed for all patients on HDAT. 85% patients on regular HDAT has the reasons for treatment documented in the notes compared to 100% patients on HDAT (including PRN).

• • Improvement in monitoring of blood parameters and cardiac function (ECG) 40-60% as compared to 2014 audit (8% to 23%).

• • Yearly monitoring of TFTs and Prolactin also appeared better (100% and 71%) which was (88% and 72% in 2014).

• • Quarterly physical observations were recorded in 77% patients on regular HDAT in 2014 which improved to 100% in 2018.

• • There was slight difference for those who were on PRN (77% to 81%). All prescribers informed about results and reminded of recommended guidelines

• • Reaudit in 2021-22 to measure change in clinical practice in prescribing HDAT.

Review physical health risk factors of service users Co-produce personalised care plans for service users Improve health knowledge and confidence in self-management of health problems Support reduction in risk by improving physical activity levels and supporting healthy dietary choices.

People with intellectual disability have poorer physical health outcomes than those without intellectual disability; there is higher prevalence of obesity, constipation and diabetes in this group of the population, and consistent evidence of premature mortality. Excess mortality in persons with severe mental illness has also been established.

Empowering patients to take an active role in their care, is good practice and encouraged as part of the NHS Long Term Plan.

Quality Improvement methodology was used to design and deliver a multi-disciplinary team (MDT) intervention, on a forensic mental health ward for persons with intellectual disability, to improve physical health in this patient group.

Cardiovascular risk was assessed for 13 patients on a low secure forensic mental health ward. Measures of weight, BMI, blood pressure, resting heart rate, smoking status & status regarding prescription of psychotropic medications were collected.

Together with individual comorbidities and activity levels, a personalised care plan was co-produced by MDT members and patients. Motivational interviewing techniques were adapted to support patients to set personal goals.

Education sessions were designed in 'easy-read' format and delivered by MDT members in a group format. Focus groups were held with service users and with staff members to explore barriers to change. Based on these, specific ideas to increase physical activity and support healthy dietary changes were introduced.

The Patient Activation Measure (PAM) questionnaire was modified and used to assess confidence and knowledge in preventing or reducing health problems, and maintaining changes.

Cardiovascular risk and activity levels were assessed for 13 inpatients. 85% of patients had a BMI in the overweight or obese range. 62% were regular cigarette smokers. 92% were prescribed psychotropic medications. On review of 2 months of opportunities for activity, all patients were categorised as 'inactive'. Patients engaged to varying degrees to co-produce personalised care plans and to engage in group education and physical activity. Of these patients, all showed improvement in measures of Patient Activation and activity level.

An individualised approach is required in exploring physical health problems, considering modifiable risk factors and addressing barriers to change. Co-production, and active participation of MDT members in role-modelling 'healthy habits' was positively reported by patients to facilitate self-management.

To study the quality of handover, between nursing staff and doctors, on an inpatient psychiatric unit.

Effective handover between professionals is vital to ensure the accurate transfer of useful information to enable quality care and patient safety.

Implementation of a handover tool has been shown to improve patient safety, especially when used to structure communication over the phone.

Feedback at trainee doctor forums highlighted insufficient handover from nursing staff whilst on-call, a problem which prompted further exploration.

Standards were developed for the expected quality of handover, consisting of a set of criteria for the minimum information required to ensure a safe and effective handover, stemming from the SBAR (Situation, Background, Assessment, Recommendation) approach, with adequate identification of patients, clear communication of the current situation and relevant details.

In an inpatient psychiatric setting, telephone calls to the on-call doctor were recorded for a two-week period, documenting whether key information was communicated.

Total number of calls to on-call doctor recorded: 68. The patients name was given in 49% and the ID number in just 10%. Both relevant diagnosis/history and NEWS score was provided in 18%. However, the current issue and recommendation was given in 90% and 95% respectively.

The results thus far demonstrate a lack of structure and often limited information delivered in handover from nursing staff to the on-call doctor. This leads to difficulties in prioritisation, identifying the urgency of the situation and inefficiencies, as time is spent requesting further information which is not readily available.

After nursing colleagues were made aware, results from a further two-week period, from 65 total calls, demonstrated some improvement. Patient name given in 51%, ID number in 18%, relevant diagnosis/history in 12%, NEWS score in 17%, current issue in 92% and recommendation in 51%. It is clear that with marginal improvement, there remains a problem which we aim to address by collaborating further with senior nursing leads whilst implementing a succinct handover proforma. It is likely that with COVID-19 as the priority on the agenda this past year, quality improvement projects such as this has not been the main focus. We hope that we will be able to implement these changes in the coming months.

To establish whether physical health monitoring for CYP on ADHD medication is according to NICE guidance (2018).

To determine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions on physical health monitoring for CYP on ADHD medication.

Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder, characterised by a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity, directly impacting on academic, occupational, or social functioning. It affects between 1-5% of children and young people (CYP) most often presenting in early-mid childhood.

Pharmacological treatment can be considered in CYP if certain criteria are met, where licensed medications include methylphenidate, dexamfetamine, lisdexamfetamine, atomoxetine and guanfacine. Stimulant and non-stimulant medications require frequent physical health monitoring due to their side effects including an increase in blood pressure and/or heart rate, loss of appetite, growth restriction and tics.

Standards and criteria were derived from the NICE guidance (2018), whilst local trust policies were reviewed, demonstrating discrepancies. Standards were expected to be met for 100% of patients.

Electronic patient records were reviewed retrospectively from a representative cohort of CYP reviewed by clinicians in a community CAMHS service during March-November 2020. Data were entered manually into a spreadsheet for evaluation.

A total of 27 CYP records were reviewed, average age 13yo, on a range of stimulant/non-stimulant preparations.

5 (19%) had height checked every 6 months, with 4 delayed to 7-8 months.

For those >10yo, only 5 (19%) had weight checked every 6 months.

Only 2 (7%) had their height and weight plotted on a growth chart and reviewed by the healthcare professional responsible for treatment.

Just 4 (15%) had heart rate and blood pressure recorded before and after each dose change, whilst similarly only 4 (not the same) had these parameters recorded every 6 months.

17 patients were reviewed by telephone/video call, where 5 patients provided physical health parameters (measured at home).

Across all parameters, standards are not being met for the required physical health monitoring for CYP on ADHD medication.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly changed the working conditions for community teams, impacting face to face reviews, creating challenges for physical health monitoring.

Our ongoing implementations for change include the use of a proforma for physical health measurements, improving psychoeducation for families, exploring potential barriers with senior colleagues and collaborating with pharmacy colleagues to update local guidelines in accordance with the latest NICE recommendations. We aim to re-audit in June 2021.

The aim of this audit is to assess whether healthcare staff are correctly donning and doffing PPE when entering and leaving the wards (changed to donning and doffing PPE when within 2 metres vicinity of a patient).

Consultants/ Junior doctors/ Ward managers/ Staff nurses/ student nurses/ Health care support workers/ Occupational therapist/ Psychologists/ Student nurses/ Housekeeping staff, were all included in this Audit. None of the staff was aware of this Audit and this was an entirely random observation. We used a standard proforma in order to audit. Followed by the Audit, we trained the staff in the unit and then re-audited.

98% of them wore mask whilst in the ward and 94% of them washed their hands after doffing. 36% did not wear them appropriately and about 10-14% did not wear PPE at all. A mere 7 out of 50 alone used hand gel. Overall the donning and doffing of PPE was not being followed and adhered to according to the standards from PHE as per the first Audit. In particular, during donning only 1/3rd of them donned the PPE as per guidance. Likewise, the doffing technique was also poor, with only half of them removing the apron and mask correctly. Unfortunately, only 7 of the 50 people were observed to have used hand gel in between the doffing. This could be potentially increasing the risk of the spread of the coronavirus.

We had trained almost 150 staff members in the Heddfan unit with regard to PPE/ donning and doffing.

Handwashing prior to donning was achieved by all the staff. All the staff, that is 100 % of them adhered to the donning technique in line with the guidance in comparison to just 64% during the first Audit. Whilst hardly just 1/2 to 2/3rd of the staff followed the doffing technique adequately, the second audit showed that only 2 of the 50 staff did not follow the guidance. A meagre/ handful of them followed the utilisation of hand gel in between the tasks of doffing during the first Audit. Almost 90% of them followed the technique properly during the second Audit. Thus showing that the PPE training was successful.

Following the PPE training that was provided to them there was a good response from the staff and this went on to show how effectively we have managed the prevention/ contamination of virus in our unit.

To explore whether the NICE guidelines for rapid tranquilisation are adhered to in the Psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU/ Tryweryn).

Data were collected by core trainees. Standards were taken from NICE guidelines NG10. All patients who had received rapid tranquilisation, that were in PICU from August 2019 to February 2020 were considered in this a.

During the first PDSA, we discussed with the staff in the ward regarding the protocol. Prior to actually starting the second audit, the adherence was noted to be low. However following persistence and having created a protocol jointly with the ward manager, we could see the difference. The staff were appreciated for their efforts in maintaining 100% adherence. The same was intended to be continued with some positive reinforcement from the auditing team. Over the first 2 months, 12 patients received Rapid Tranquilisation. Out of these 12, we randomly selected 4 patients to find the adherence of the NICE guidelines to be 100 per cent. The predictions regarding the adherence to protocol showed that the PDSA was successful.

During the second PDSA, the adherence was 100% again. The adherence to the protocol has been followed for not just the sample that was selected, but for the entire set of patients who received the Rapid Tranquilisation. Following this QIP, we formatted the proforma which included the services to be provided/ actions to be taken, Post Rapid Tranquilisation physical health monitoring and response to medication.

The utilisation of de-escalation techniques and behavioural support plans that was person-centred in turn brought down the rate of Rapid Tranquilisation successfully. Thus placing our PICU as having the least restraints in the UK in 2019 (Second least 3/ month). Our PICU was awarded the prestigious Nursing Times Team of the Year Award for their pioneering work.

Following this QIP, we then formatted the proforma for Rapid Tranquilisation which included the services to be provided/ actions to be taken, Post Rapid Tranquilisation physical health monitoring and patients response to medication. The PICU will continue to maintain this 100% standard and we would then consider extending the Audit to both Open wards and PICU in entire North Wales.

To improve the diagnosis and management of menopause in women with a serious mental illness in psychiatric services. This will be achieved by developing a questionnaire to systematically assess symptoms related to the menopause, based on NICE guidelines. Women will be offered information and advice, according to these guidelines. Barriers to the assessment or management of the menopause will be identified by piloting the questionnaire on an inpatient female ward.

Women aged 40 years and over, admitted to an acute female in-patient ward in South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, were interviewed using a structured questionnaire.

In total, 23 eligible women were approached of whom 17 (74%) agreed to take part with mean age 53 years (range 40–67 years). Nine women reported that they had undergone the menopause and four women reported experiencing perimenopausal symptoms. Fifteen women had not previously received information about the menopause. Of the 13 women who had undergone the menopause or were experiencing irregular periods, 7 reported experiencing hot flushes, night sweats and a general change in physical and mental health and four reported a change in mood. Seven women reported that the changes noted may have been related to the menopause over the previous 12 months. Eight women requested further information either in written format or in the form of an information group about the menopause.

We identified women who were admitted to a psychiatric ward who had experienced symptoms related to the menopause that had impacted on their mental and physical health. It was evident that the majority of these women with severe mental illness had not had the opportunity to discuss their symptoms with a healthcare professional in the past and a significant proportion welcomed further information to help make sense of their symptoms. We intend to implement the questionnaire trust-wide with the eventual aim of developing a local guideline to inform the assessment and management of the menopause within our services.

To compare the practice in a PICU setting against the standard practicing guidelines before commencing antipsychotics with regards to:

1. 1. Physical examination

2. 2. ECG

3. 3. Baseline blood investigations

4. 4. Physical health conditions

5. 5. Family history of medical conditions.

Data were collected from the PICU, Black Country Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust which covers four different hospital sites. 37 patients were admitted in PICU from 1st March 2020 to 30th September 2020, out of which 30 were included. 6 case notes were not available and one patient was admitted twice, thus case notes for only one admission was included in data collection.

The standard guidelines for PICU outline that each admitted patient should have physical examination, vitals monitoring and baseline investigations including routine blood tests and ECG within first 24 hours. The data were collected as per standards retrospectively within two weeks from case notes in health records. Investigations were accessed through electronic information system for current inpatient admission and 12 months prior to the admission to the PICU.

Mean age of the sample (n = 30) was 34.26 years. 37% of patients had physical comorbidities and a family history of medical conditions was documented for only 3% of cases. A large proportion of inpatients (53%) refused to have blood investigations before treatment and only 13% of blood investigations were completed before commencing treatment. Only 7% of patients consented to an ECG prior to commencing treatment. 27% of patients had a physical examination, including vitals, before starting treatment, a further 37% had just their vitals taken within 24 hours of admission and 20% refused any form of physical examination during their inpatient admission. 7% of cases had complications due to a lack of investigation.

Although there are standard guidelines for the PICU setting, it has been noted that these guidelines aren't always implemented. Multiple factors have a role to play such as: non-consenting patients, inaccessibility of previous records, initial assessment forms being incomplete including assessment of mental capacity and lack of follow-up with physical investigations by both primary care and secondary mental health services. As per findings, a few recommendations were proposed to meet the standards.

Recent MHRA guidelines, state that Valproate medicines must no longer be used in women or girls of childbearing potential due to its highly teratogenic effects unless a Pregnancy Prevention Programme is in place. We carried out a service evaluation to determine if there was any way of identifying such patients with the aim of setting one up if required.

Valproate is highly teratogenic and evidence supports that use in pregnancy leads to physical birth defects in 10 in every 100 babies (compared with a background rate of 2 to 3 in 100) and neurodevelopmental disorders in approximately 30 to 40 in every 100 children born to mothers taking Valproate. Data from a previous inpatient audit identified 35 females of childbearing age and none was on a pregnancy prevention plan. Audits done thereafter confirmed there was no system available for identifying such patients. Availability and accessibility to a synchronised IT system, which alerts when the yearly review is due is consistently identified as a contributory factor.

A request via the Medicines management team was sent to the GP surgeries within the catchment area to assist in identifying female patients on their records on Valproate registered on the Pregnancy Prevention Programme.

The Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) Quality Improvement (QI) model was used to bring about change. The target set to achieve was a 50% reduction in the prescriptions of Valproate in such patient groups.

We had 10 out of the 50 GP surgeries contacted responded with a list of female patients on Valproate, a total of 25 patients’ altogether. In total, 4 patients out of the 25 were registered on the Pregnancy Prevention Programme and the overall non-compliance rate was 86%. . Factors believed to contribute to the low numbers include a lack of a system for registering women of childbearing age on the pregnancy protection plan and the recent introduction of GDPR regulation.

There are ongoing discussions with various stakeholders like the Medicines management team, Pharmacists, electronic records team (IT) and other clinicians regarding inserting an alert in the electronic system that reminds clinicians to register all such women on the Pregnancy Prevention Programme, while automatically creating a yearly reminder for completion of the annual risk acknowledgement form.

This project aimed to improve the knowledge and confidence of doctors at all levels when managing patients with eating disorders while on call.

A recent survey found just 1% of doctors have the opportunity for clinical experience on eating disorders. Anecdotally, a number of junior doctors within our trust had mentioned that they felt unsure when asked to manage patients with eating disorders during their out of hours shifts.

This project aimed to ascertain levels of confidence with managing patients with eating disorders, and to collect suggestions to improve this. This was achieved using a survey sent out to 97 doctors working in a Mental Health Trust.

We then utilised two of the suggestions to improve the identified areas of concern. The first method involved direct lectures. This was followed up with the creation of a poster highlighting the pertinent information which was displayed in key clinical areas. The second avenue was the creation of an information booklet covering key clinical information that is available to all on call doctors.

The response rate for the survey was 37.11%. The survey found that doctors lacked confidence in the management of common conditions that arise in patients admitted with eating disorders. Refeeding syndrome was identified as the greatest area of concern by responding doctors.

To assess the impact of the lectures, MCQs were given out before and after the presentation. The results were compared, and showed a clear improvement in overall knowledge, with results going from an average score of 56.6% to 80%.

By using multiple methods to improve doctors confidence, (lectures, written information and visual posters), this quality improvement project achieved its aims in improving doctors knowledge, and through having easy access to important information, will have long term positive effects on patient care.

To evaluate tobacco smoking and willingness to try and to accept prescription of nicotine replacement therapy during psychiatric acute inpatient stay. When free to choose and use as desired (without imposing smoking cessation) patients may be open to nicotine replacement therapy.

Tobacco smoking interventions are increasingly in demand especially for difficult to treat patient populations, as are those with severe mental illness. Implementing totally smoke-free psychiatric inpatient units is challenging. Imposing smoking cessation and use of nicotine substitutes may or not be the best of strategies for smoking reduction and cessation in the mid and long term. Allowing the patient free choice as to trying and learning to use nicotine replacement therapy with supervision may constitute a more acceptable approach.

From 1/1/2020 to 28/1/2020 (four weeks), 40 of the 44 patients in a general adult psychiatric inpatient unit (4 patients were too sedated or too agitated to be evaluated), with smoking restricted to a designated area and only during the day, were briefly evaluated as to their tobacco smoking habits (cigarettes/day) and willingness to accept nicotine lozenges and patches and were invited to participate in a smoking cessation programme during or after discharge.

Of the 40 patients evaluated, 26 were male and 14 were female, average age was 34 years (age range from 19 to 79 years). Diagnostic hypotheses for patients at admission were: schizophrenic disorder/schizoaffective disorder 9, bipolar disorder 7, psychosis not otherwise specified 19, depressive disorder 1 and other 4. 20(50%) were current smokers and 20 (50%) were non or ex-smokers. The smokers reported smoking an average of 14 cigarettes/day. Only one patient refused to try nicotine lozenges and all other smokers accepted regular prescription of nicotine lozenges during inpatient stay. 5 patients (25% of smokers) asked for or accepted suggestion to try nicotine patches in combination therapy with nicotine lozenges with the goal of smoking cessation.

Patients were open to a brief informal intervention targeting smoking behaviours and readily accepted trying nicotine lozenges and prescription during their inpatient stay. The regular use of nicotine replacement therapy by some patients encouraged other patients to try and accept therapy. In addition to the habitual tobacco sharing among patients, nicotine lozenges were also shared especially with newly admitted patients. The evaluation of the impact of this intervention will require a much longer period of time of implementation.

To review literature on the importance of caffeine intake with regard to psychosis. The need for intervention with regard to caffeine intake hinges on effectively recognizing potential risks.

Caffeine is the most widely consumed psychoactive substance worldwide and as such is generally considered acceptable but as a competitive adenosine antagonist, it affects dopamine transmission. Patients with serious mental illness are known to have higher caffeine intakes than the general population. The hierarchy of needs for this patient population is complex, frequently leaving the intake of caffeine under the radar of clinical priorities.

PubMed and Google Scholar search for caffeine/coffee and psychosis/schizophrenia

Of the 43 articles that were considered relevant for clinical practice, caffeine consumption was associated with 1) appearance of psychotic symptoms and episodes (caffeine-induced psychosis) and chronic psychosis in high intake 2) exacerbation of psychosis in schizophrenic patients even in lower intakes, 3) treatment resistance possibly due to interference with antipsychotics (ex. clozapine), 4) abuse and addiction, 5) comorbidity with tobacco smoking and other addictions. Caffeine in low doses was associated with ameliorating cognitive and extrapyramidal side-effects of medication and as a potential treatment strategy for treatment-resistant schizophrenia.

Caffeine consumption may have a greater impact on psychotic symptoms and episodes than is recognized with negative effects outweighing any potential benefits. Greater awareness of the necessity to quantify caffeine intake and implementation of interventions to curb intake may contribute to better quality of care of serious mental illness. Further research is warranted.

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a challenge in ensuring that routine monitoring can still be offered and occur in a safe and effective manner. Our aim was to continue the regular physical health monitoring of North East Hampshire CMHRS patients who are prescribed lithium during the COVID-19 pandemic, and to achieve above 90% compliance for the monitoring standards. Lithium monitoring clinics have been established in our CMHRS since 2017, Lithium is a high-risk medication as recognised by a National Patient Safety Alert in 2009. Previous annual POMH-UK audits have identified suboptimal monitoring of Lithium patients at local and national levels.

The ‘Plan-Do-Study-Act’ (PDSA) approach was utilised and a ‘QI Bundle’ formed. A database of patients who are prescribed lithium has been created and maintained. Synchronised standardised reminder letters are sent to the patients twice yearly. NICE recommends that patients on lithium have their lithium levels checked every 3 months for the first year and then at least every 6 months, plus TFTs, U&Es, calcium and weight every 6 months (or more frequently if impaired). The Specialist Pharmacist Service advise that during the COVID-19 pandemic, if patients are not in the at-risk category then monitoring intervals can be extended by up to 3 months, but that patients in the at-risk category should have their normal monitoring intervals continued.

Lithium clinics have been held every April and October since 2017 by the Junior Doctors allocated to NE Hampshire CMHRS. This year they were conducted via telephone appointment or face to face where safe to do so with clinician in full PPE. An audit was subsequently carried out in December 2020 to assess our patient's compliance with the aforementioned NICE recommendations for lithium monitoring, the results of which were compared to previous annual audits.

Seventeen patients were currently prescribed lithium within the NE Hampshire CMHRS. Over 90% compliance with monitoring was achieved in December 2020 apart from the checking of calcium levels which was slightly below target at 82%, and weight which was at 88%. There was no significant reduction in monitoring standards obtained compared to data from the previous three years.

Routine monitoring for our patients who are prescribed Lithium was effectively and safely continued during the pandemic. Above 90% compliance with lithium monitoring standards was nearly obtained across all areas. We will continue to offer lithium monitoring twice yearly.

During out of hour handovers at St Charles Hospital – the two duty SHO (senior house officers) cover on site, whereas the on-call registrar and consultant are available to contact by phone. Some trainees may experience difficulties in contacting their seniors for support, or may not feel comfortable doing so. Trainees may also feel like they would benefit from being more informed of the hospital situation, or added learning and educational opportunities from the shift. The aim of this project was to improve the out of hours support for the on-call SHOs – which we hope to have positive short (such as improving confidence and performance) - and longer-term impacts (improving retention in the deanery and specialty).

The project proposed instating a 15-minute Zoom call at the start of each night shift (9:30pm) which involved the on-call team (SHOs, registrar, consultants and ideally bed managers). Firstly – a survey monkey questionnaire was sent to trainees to gain a baseline on how supported/informed/ease and learning opportunities for that shift. The project then piloted three separate Plan Do Study Act cycles of change and collected feedback from trainees after each cycle. Both qualitative feedback and quantitative feedback from trainees were collected in the Likert scale format after each PDSA cycle.

Results showed that a key benefit of this call is that any pressing issues can be brought up and addressed. Furthermore, for the benefit of the trainees, generally trainees felt more supported whilst they are on call, and got to know the fellow on call team. In addition, trainees reported feeling more at ease when calling their senior colleagues.

It is particularly important for doctors to feel supported and informed during their on call shift, especially in the current climate, where there are fast changes and adaptations taking place due to the pandemic. By adding a short meeting at the beginning of each night shift, doctors in the hospital demonstrated an increase in feeling supported, informed and having educational opportunities during their on call shifts. In the long term, by addressing on call issues and making trainees feel more confident and supported during their shift, is likely to benefit and improve recruitment and retention.

The aim of this quality improvement project is to improve identification and management of mood disorder in patients over 65 years admitted to Royal Surrey County Hospital (RSCH) with hip fractures by introducing a standardised assessment tool to guide appropriate interventions.

The signs of depression in the elderly can be subtle and often go unnoticed. The multidisciplinary team (MDT) at RSCH observed that low mood could negatively impact on a patient's recovery, affecting pain thresholds and leading to poor engagement with rehabilitation. Proactive identification and management of mood disorder is an important part of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment but not routinely performed in patients with hip fracture admitted to RSCH.

Notes and discharge summaries of patients with hip fracture admitted over a four-month period were retrospectively reviewed to establish if patients were screened for low mood. A mood screening tool was chosen and implemented prospectively over a four-month period. Occupational therapists and junior doctors completed a Cornell Score for all patinets. Those identified with depression or probable depression were issued verbal advice, an information leaflet and follow-up arranged.

Ninety-eight patients were included in the retrospective cohort. No patients were formally identified as having depression or probable depression, and there was no indication that mood was considered or assessed at any point during admission. During the four-month prospective period, 90 patients were admitted to RSCH with hip fracture and 86 patients (96%) were screened for low mood. Four patients were excluded due to a terminal prognosis. Of the patients screened, 9% had major depression and 16% probable depression. Feedback from our occupational therapists and doctors was positive, with the tool being relatively easy to use in patients with or without cognitive impairment. Much of the assessment could be incorporated into their initial assessment or in gaining collateral history from next of kin. Anecdotally, considering patients psychological well-being had a positive impact on inpatient therapy sessions guided the MDT in supporting the patient appropriately.

Implementation of a standardised and validated mood screening tool enabled us to identify that a quarter (25%) of the patients admitted following a hip fracture had, or probably had depression. This allowed us to intervene with simple measures such as verbal advice and an information leaflet and consider pharmacological intervention where appropriate.

To design & develop a clinically scalable personalised health record and patient portal to;

Improve patient safety through improved communication and information sharing between staff, patients and carers, and improved access to safety plans for patients.

Increase the uptake of virtual appointments and video calls rather than over-reliance on telephone calls for clinical care

Empower patients to access supported self-management and self-directed care using digital resources

Current mental health services often rely on telephone calls, letters, text messages and email, which often repeat information to the detriment of the patient. Likewise, care plans and appointments are given in paper cards, which can be lost or become out-dated. Furthermore, service-users often have no access to curated resources, symptom-tracking tools or ability to document their personal treatment targets in medical notes.

Based on service-user feedback, clinical need and the above aims, a digital personalised health record and online portal was developed for patients to record personal goals & coping strategies, access crisis plans, view appointments, track symptoms, complete clinical assessments, communicate with their care-team and access self-management materials. The tool, ‘Beth’, was named after the Bethlem Royal Hospital and was launched in July 2020 to all patients in the South London and Maudsley Trust.

Across the Trust, the tool currently has 710 active users. Features used include; accessing care plans and safety plans, communicating with care teams, organising and viewing appointments, undertaking clinical assessments to inform measurement-based care, tracking symptoms and progress, developing a secure diary, and accessing free & trusted self-management resources.

We have developed “Beth,” a digital personalised health record and patient portal for use in widespread clinical practice. The tool allows patients to take an active role in their care-planning, enhances communication between patients, carers and clinical teams and may improve service efficiency and patient safety. Future development may customise the tool further to incorporate new features and optimise usability for patients and clinicians alike.

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the importance of wellbeing amongst healthcare professionals. Medical professionals, notably junior doctors, are at increased risk of developing poor mental health and burnout. The GMC Barometer Study in 2020 showed that 32% of doctors found the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic detrimental to their wellbeing and mental health.

The aim of this quality improvement project was to assess and improve hospital wellbeing support available to foundation doctors within Gloucestershire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (GHNHSFT) by learning and reflecting on the impact of COVID-19.

After identifying a lack of resources within GHNHSFT, wellbeing information boards were displayed in communal areas and distributed by email. These encompassed trust wide support, practical information including childcare and relaxation resources concentrating on mindfulness, exercise and culture. A survey of foundation doctors was completed to assess doctors’ focus and approach to wellbeing. Questions assessed influential factors in maintaining wellbeing, access to current hospital resources and future interventions.

94% of respondents recognised that their focus on wellbeing increased during COVID-19. One third of foundation doctors found it challenging to maintain their wellbeing, with 40% reporting difficulty accessing hospital support and advice. The most important factors foundation doctors identified in maintaining wellbeing were exercise, cooking and baking, and social networks. Colleagues were a significant source of wellbeing support, followed by notice boards, email resources and social media.

COVID-19 highlighted the importance and burden on wellbeing of foundation doctors, with a significant number struggling to access support. Future recommendations include the use of a ‘buddy system’, regular and accessible exercise classes and improved communication of wellbeing support and resources to staff members.

Buddy systems have already shown success amongst teams however it is important these are accessible to all foundation doctors and universally offered within the trust. A weekly yoga class is being reintroduced to be available to all doctors.

A particular focus has been the development of a health and wellbeing section to feature in the trusts weekly communications, with the aim to regularly signpost staff to ongoing wellbeing resources and support.

Social networking and media were highlighted as important in both maintaining wellbeing and accessing resources. A future goal is to develop an official GHNHSFT Instagram or Twitter account focused on wellbeing. We hope to continue to learn from the impact of COVID-19, improving the availability of wellbeing support at GHNHSFT that will continue into the future.

We aimed to assess the accessibility and informativeness of the content of daily nursing notes through an audit, and improve deficiencies identified.

Nursing notes are an important source of observation findings, of in-ward psychiatry patients.

There can be variations in the quality of the notes as well as information contained within.

A basic level of clarity and information within all notes will be helpful in using these to inform the management of patients.

An audit was carried-out in a ward treating working-age patients for psychiatric illnesses.

Setting standards - standard required of a daily progress note was decided after discussion in multi-disciplinary team meeting (MDT). Clear language and information on; mental-state, medication, meals, physical health, personal care, activities, risks and use of leave, were identified as requirements.

Retrospective audit - First audit cycle was carried-out by assessing the notes two weeks retrospectively. The assessment instrument used a qualitative measurement of the readability of the notes as well as quantitative assessment of the contents.

Intervention - The standards set during the MDT, as well as a suggested format for recording notes, were communicated to the staff through email. Follow-up meetings with individual staff members and MDT, to evaluate staff satisfaction and new suggestions to improve the format were held. Difficulties staff encountered when implementing the format were discussed and resolved.

Second audit cycle - Following implementation of the intervention, the notes were again assessed using the same instrument.

Difficulty in accessing information from the notes was noted in the first audit cycle. The average score for accessibility of information when scored on Likert scale + 3 to -3, was 1. Use of language scored 2 on average. On the second audit cycle, accessibility had increased to 3 on average while language score remained 2.

Quantitative measurement was done for presence of information on; mental state, medication, meals, physical health, personal care, activities, risks and use of time away from ward. All of these parameters showed an increase in the post-intervention second audit cycle. Information on taking meals, medication, and physical health was present 100% of the time in the second cycle. Most improvement was in information on personal care which showed a five-fold increase, from 17% to 89%

In conclusion, standard for nursing notes arrived via discussion and consensus in MDT, has been successful in improving the accessibility and information within nursing notes.

The aim of this survey was to find out how Speciality trainees used their special interest sessions, using multiple choice and open questions

The ST (Speciality Training) curriculum recognises that it is desirable that all higher trainees gain additional experiences that may not be available in their clinical placement. Two sessions every week must be devoted during each year of Speciality training for such personal development, which includes research or to pursue special interests. Special interest sessions are defined as “a clinical or clinically related area of service which cannot be provided within the training post but which is of direct relevance to the prospective career pathway of the trainee”. This experience must be appropriately managed, supervised and assessed.

We conducted a survey of Speciality trainees in the West Midlands region across all psychiatric specialities using an online survey. The survey was open for one month period in January 2021 and reminders were sent intermittently. Following survey closure, quantitative data were analysed using Google Forms and Excel. Qualitative data were collated and reviewed to identify relevant themes.

47 of the total 82 Speciality trainees in all psychiatric specialities including dual trainees responded. Maximum response rate was from General adult/Dual trainees who form the bulk of Speciality trainees. Most trainees discussed their special interest with their supervisors and included this in learning plans. 79% were able to have a weekly session. Most sessions were devoted to gaining additional clinical experience, medical education, gaining leadership competencies and completion of further post graduate qualifications. The majority of trainees chose special interest sessions in their own trust, however 45% had difficulty getting released from their clinical commitments. Trainees demonstrated evidence in their portfolio by reflection, WPBA and reflective notes. Trainees were positive about their experiences and requested more support to access sessions locally.

The Future Doctor report (HEE 2020) recognised that our Future Doctors must have a broad range of generalist skills to meet the population needs, therefore it is essential that doctors in training are supported by trainers and trusts to access special interest sessions to ensure that they achieve a broad range of competencies. To signpost trainees we have developed a booklet advertising available opportunities for ST trainees and other services may wish to consider this.