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Assessment of physical monitoring following rapid tranquillisation: a national survey

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  22 November 2012

Benjamin Loynes ,
James Innes  and
Stephen Dye
Benjamin Loynes
Affiliation:
CT3 Psychiatry, South London and Maudsley Trust, Maudsley Hospital, UK
James Innes*
Affiliation:
Deputy Chief Pharmacist, East London NHS Foundation Trust, Mile End Hospital, London, UK
Stephen Dye
Affiliation:
Consultant In-Patient Psychiatrist, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Ipswich Hospital Site, UK
*
Correspondence to: James Innes, East London NHS Foundation Trust, Pharmacy Department, Mile End Hospital, Bancroft Rd, London E1 4DG. E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

Rapid tranquillisation (RT) is a high risk clinical intervention in terms of potential physical health complications. There has been no published work in the UK to survey nationally whether standards for post RT physical monitoring (as set out in organisation's RT documents) are being adequately audited.

Aim

To review current auditing of RT practice in England, with particular emphasis on examination of post RT physical monitoring.

Method

A scrutiny of evidence provided by English NHS mental health trusts to illustrate auditing of adult RT documents.

Results

Fifty-eight mental health trusts in England were contacted. Less than one-third could provide evidence of an audit of post RT physical health monitoring. These audits were variable with respect to what aspect of physical health monitoring they focused on. When results of all audits were combined, it revealed a concerning finding that basic physical observations and investigations were not performed consistently following RT.

Conclusions and Implications for Clinical Practice

The current paucity of trust audits of post RT physical monitoring and the poor practice observed in those audits could reflect a lack of clarity in both trust and national guidelines, as well as poor clinical practice. Given the risks to a patient's physical health associated with RT it is essential to ensure high quality care in this area.

Keywords

Rapid tranquillisationphysical health monitoringaudit
Type
Original Research Article
Information
Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care , Volume 9 , Issue 2 , August 2013 , pp. 85 - 90
Copyright
Copyright © NAPICU 2012 

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