bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Epidemiology and current treatment patterns of treatment-resistant depression in Scotland: a CPRD study
Authors: Ming Timothy , Denee Tom , Scott Gemma , Morrens Joachim , Weatherburn Christopher 
Published: June 2021

AimsTo assess the incidence and treatments currently used in clinical practice for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in Scotland.BackgroundPatients with major depressive disorder (MDD) who have not responded to at least two successive antidepressant (AD) treatments in a single episode are described as having Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD). Epidemiological data on TRD in Scotland is lacking. Furthermore, there is no data to our knowledge on therapies prescribed in Scottish clinical practice to treat TRD.MethodA retrospective, longitudinal cohort study was conducted using Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD) medical records. Adult patients were indexed on AD prescription, requiring MDD diagnosis within 90 days, from Jan 2011-May 2018 with 360-day baseline and 180-day minimum follow-up periods. Failure of ≥2 adequate oral AD regimens following indexing constituted TRD classification. Incidence rates of MDD and TRD (within the MDD cohort) and treatment lines following TRD classification were derived.ResultThe analysis included 20,059 patients with MDD (mean age 44 years, 63% female, median follow-up 59 months); 1,374 (6.8%) were classified as TRD. Median time-to-TRD classification was 25 months. The incidence rate of MDD was 15.9 per 1,000 patient-years and for TRD was 14.7 per 1,000 MDD-patient-years. For all first four post-TRD treatment lines, SSRI monotherapy was the most commonly prescribed therapy, followed by combination (dual/triple) therapy and augmentation therapy (at least one oral AD supplemented with lithium, an antipsychotic or an anticonvulsant therapy). At first-line of TRD treatment, 1,050 (76.4%) patients received monotherapy AD, 212 (15.4%) received combination AD therapy and 112 (8.2%) received augmentation therapy. The most common monotherapy treatments at first-line TRD were sertraline (15.6%), mirtazapine (13.8%), fluoxetine (12.2%) and venlafaxine (11.6%). Among combination therapies, mirtazapine, venlafaxine, sertraline and amitriptyline were frequently used. Among the TRD and MDD cohort, no somatic treatments were coded in CPRD, although the use of these treatments was likely underestimated.ConclusionMonotherapy AD treatment was the most common therapy type for all four post-TRD treatment lines. These data support the need for new treatments that can achieve and maintain therapeutic response, and avoid continuous cycling through similar AD therapies.This study was sponsored by Janssen Cilag Ltd.
Preliminary investigation into the identification and management of catatonia in patients admitted to adult inpatient units
Authors: Moore Joanna , Kunicki Amy , Latcham Georgina , Perkins Eleanor , Vaccari Emma 
Published: June 2021

AimsThe prevalence of catatonia is considered to be approximately 10% in psychiatric inpatients. Clinical experience suggests a lower documented prevalence. This could cause longer admissions and complications, such as Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (NMS). We carried out a service evaluation to investigate the recognition and management of catatonia on inpatient units in Southern Health Foundation Trust (SHFT). We reviewed the local documented prevalence of catatonia, treatment offered and prevalence of complications.MethodWe retrospectively reviewed the electronic records of 95 consecutive admissions to four adult inpatient units in SHFT, starting on 1st August 2020. We reviewed notes for the admission to establish whether catatonia was suspected and identified. We applied the screening questions from the Bush-Francis Catatonia Rating Scale (BFCRS) to the documented mental state examinations (MSE) prior to, and shortly after, admission. We also recorded the prescriptions issued during the first 72 hours of admission, and whether patients developed neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS), serotonin syndrome or required admission to a general hospital during admission.ResultCatatonia was documented as a possibility for 2 patients (2.1%). One showed possible posturing and stupor, while there were no documented symptoms for the other. In both cases the possibility was discounted by the clinical team. Twelve patients (12.6%) showed one or more possible or confirmed signs of catatonia. Eleven of these were prescribed regular antipsychotic medication on admission, but only 3 were prescribed regular benzodiazepines. NMS was more likely to be suspected in patients with a BFCRS of 1 or more compared with those with a score of 0, with an odds ratio of 8.1 (95% CI [1.03-64.0], Fisher's exact test = 7.79, p = .076).ConclusionCatatonia is likely under-recognised and under-treated locally among psychiatric inpatients. Although only approaching statistical significance, the higher rate of suspected NMS in patients showing possible catatonia is noteworthy and needs further investigation. Regular benzodiazepines were not frequently prescribed in this group, while antipsychotics, prescribed in all of these patients, can precipitate NMS. Alternatively, this finding could reflect the overlap in clinical presentation between NMS and catatonia. Data collection was limited by the frequent use of “remote clerking”, in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, the quality of mental state examinations was often not sufficient to draw any conclusions on the possible presence or absence of catatonic symptoms. This project has highlighted practice in need of improvement, which will be further prospectively investigated and improved via a Quality Improvement Project.
Does the advice requested by carers of people who live with dementia reflect the level of commissioned post-diagnostic support? A retrospective evaluation of calls to the Me2U dementia day centre 24-hour advice line
Authors: Nathan Rajan , Callaghan Stephen , Walker Kelly , Mason Angela , Whittington Rosemarie 
Published: June 2021

AimsThe aim was to examine the reasons for advice requests by carers of people who live with dementia (PLWD) that attend the Me2u dementia day centre in order to identify key explanatory themes. We hypothesised that requests were related mainly to coordinating care and clinical issues due to limited post-diagnostic support (PDS) in our area.BackgroundThe Me2u dementia day centre (Merseyside) cares for PLWD and also supports carers. As part of the service, a 24-hour advice line is included for PLWD and their carers who attend the centre. Locally, there is limited PDS and most carers navigate the health and social care system alone mirroring the findings by the National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (NCCMH).MethodWe undertook a retrospective evaluation of 244 advice calls, from 64 carers, between 01/06/2019 and 31/12/2019. We analysed time of call, type of advice, type of dementia, age and whether the advice was for the PLWD or for the carer.ResultOf the 244 calls, the most common time to call was between 09.00 - 14.00 (n = 168; (68.8%) peak 09.00 - 10.00 (n = 38). Average age of the person about whom the advice was sought was 79.08 years. 91.4% of the advice calls related to PLWD (most common dementia Alzheimer's) and 8.6% to the carer only. The mean number of calls per person was 3.8 (range 1–24).Advice data were grouped into 9 broad themes namely, related to symptoms/behaviour (32.79%, n = 80), request for Me2u to coordinate care (20.08%, n = 49), general advice (14.75%, n = 36), personal care (9.42%, n = 23), carer only advice (8.60%, n = 21), social issues (6.14%, n = 15), social care (4.50%, n = 11), safeguarding (2.46%, n = 6), non-health and social care issue (1.23%, n = 3).ConclusionReasons for limited/poor PDS given by the NCCMH are; absence of named coordinators of care, over-reliance on families and carers to manage and facilitate appointments, poor recognition and management of comorbidities. This data show that 52.87% of calls were for clinical advice and coordination of care reflecting NCCMH findings. The interventions post-call reduced the impact on providers of urgent care.These findings provide support for the provision of a [24-hour] advice line as a routine part of post-diagnostic support services, especially in areas that have limited or poor PDS. Commissioners of PDS services in areas that have limited or poor PDS should make this a priority to prevent unplanned admissions to hospital and carer breakdown.
Results of a client satisfaction questionnaire in a NHS psychotherapy department
Authors: Ogston Elizabeth , Herbert Kim , McGuiness Lorraine 
Published: June 2021

AimsThis study aimed to assess the level of satisfaction patients feel towards their experience of attending for psychotherapy, in order to inform local management on the service being offered by the department.BackgroundThis survey was conducted as part of routine service provision analysis by the psychotherapy department. It aimed to assess the level of satisfaction patients feel towards their experience of attending for psychotherapy, in order to inform local management on the service being offered by the department. Ethics committee confirmed this fulfilled “Service evaluation” criterion and the project was registered with the local NHS quality improvement register.MethodPatients who completed an episode of therapy were invited to complete a survey form. This consisted of a Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) as well as four additional questions pertaining to patient satisfaction. The patient's therapist would inform administration staff of the patient's final appointment; administration staff would then issue the patient with a questionnaire which they were invited to complete and return in their own time. The questionnaires were completed anonymously and no reward was offered for completing the questionnaire. The therapies included group analysis, psychodynamic individual and Cognitive Analytic Therapy.Result22 patients who had completed psychotherapy in 2018–2019 returned a completed questionnaire. The average and range responses were examined.The average response was “4: Excellent” for the overall rating of the service received, and for 5 other questions on the CSQ-8 the average score was the highest possible. The average response was slightly lower on the question about whether the service met their needs “3: Mostly”, and on the question: Has the service you received helped you to deal more effectively with your problems? (3 yes, somewhat). The additional questions highlighted how important the setting and administration role played in the experience of therapy. The questionnaire also included a free text box giving the patient the opportunity to offer any other comments. Many of these included messages of gratitude and remarks on the impact therapy has had on their general wellbeing.ConclusionIn general it is encouraging to see that feedback provided through this survey was extremely positive. This was reflected both in the Likert scale questions and the free text box. Patients are described themselves as very satisfied with their experience within therapy and reflected a positive experience of the holding environment provided by the department as a whole.(NO Funding received)
Metabolic side effects of clozapine in patients at south ceredigion community mental health team
Authors: Reddy Harish 
Published: June 2021

AimsThe aim of the audit was to identify patients at risk of developing Metabolic Syndrome who are on Clozapine in the community. Anyone who has three of following attributes has Metabolic Syndrome. A large waist size (greater than 40 inches in men or 35 inches in women) ,high blood pressure (130/85 mm Hg or higher) ,high triglycerides — a form of fat in the blood (150 mg/dL or higher) ,high blood sugar (a fasting level of 100 mg/dL or higher).Patients receiving should be regularly monitored under clinical review particularly in relation to side effects of the drug and maintain minimum standards of review both physically and clinical investigations once a year .BackgroundTo measure the screening of central obesity, Blood Pressure, serum glucose levels and lipid profile in last one year.MethodData were collected from Blood results and electronic entries of patients who are on Clozapine in South Ceredigion Community Mental Team. There were 31 patients of which 20 were male and 11 were female patients. The age range was 31–66 years and average was 46 years.Result52% of the patients had obesity,34 % with Hypertension,50 %Dyslipidaemia and 43 % had Increased glucose tolerance. 80 % were only on clozapine,3% were on combined Amisulpride, 10% on combined on Ariprazole, 3 % on combined Quetiapine.ConclusionTreatment of causes like making changing lifestyle changes, weigh reduction using health diet and to include regular physical activity. Reduce Abdominal Obesity and in possible provide nutritional intervention.
A service evaluation of the healthy lifestyle groups in a female medium secure unit- what do our patients know about nutrition?
Authors: Shipperbottom Lauren , Scally Ruth 
Published: June 2021

AimsTo assess whether patients have a good knowledge of basic nutrition compared to a group of staff. We hypothesise that the patient's knowledge will show deficits compared to the staff despite the group interventions.BackgroundThe Royal College of Psychiatrist's core standards for inpatient physical health outlines that patients should be engaged in healthy lifestyle groups. The women's secure service at Ardenleigh has developed healthy lifestyles groups to promote a better understanding of nutrition.MethodAn adapted University College London general knowledge nutrition questionnaire was used to investigate nutritional knowledge.All 22 inpatients and a random selection of staff were offered the chance to complete the questionnaire. As the groups run on a regular basis, it was presumed all patients had attended at least one group session. The staff are the comparator group.18 staff responses and 12 inpatient responses were obtained (54.5% response rate for inpatients).ResultNo participant in either group scored 100%. Both groups had a good awareness of what foods they should be eating more and less of. 83.3% of patients were aware that they should be eating breakfast everyday as opposed to 100% of staff.Poor areas of knowledge included knowledge of the number of oily fish servings per week. Staff and patients also performed poorly when estimating their recommended daily salt intake. 1/3 of patients were unable to provide an example of a serving of fruit and vegetables.The knowledge of the structure of the Eat-Well plate was poor in both groups. Only 16% of patients and 22% of staff were aware that starchy foods should make up 1/3 of the Eat-well plate. Knowledge of protein sources was poor. 25% of patients and 16.6% of staff thought that fruit and butter were good sources of proteinFurthermore, only 50% of patients were able to choose the healthiest evening meal choice from a list of 3 options compared to 100% of staff.ConclusionIn conclusion staff had better knowledge of nutrition than patients but knowledge was poor in areas amongst both groups. We conclude that groups should have more focus around practical applications of nutritional knowledge to everyday life.
Appropriateness of referrals to Whiston hospital Mental Health Liaison Services
Authors: Strouther Nick , Jain Divya 
Published: June 2021

Aims1. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of referrals to Whiston Mental Health Liaison Services (WMHLS) according to Royal College of Psychiatrists and local trust guidelines.2. To assess whether the referrals were being reviewed in timely manner as per the trust's guidelines.MethodData collection was completed using a proforma to ensure uniform data collection. The proforma included information on patient demographics, previous mental health service involvement, other details like reasons and time of referral and their outcomes. Data sample comprised of 46 patients who had been referred to the WMHLS in the month of August 2019 were randomly selected.Result44 of the 46 referrals analyzed were found to be appropriate. 40 patients were deemed to have appropriate documentation. The ratio of males to females was 20:26. 21 referrals were from the observation ward, 14 from A&E, and 11 from medical wards. 40 patients were previously known to mental health services. The reasons for referral ranged from suicidal ideation/attempt (48%), Drug related (12%), Assessment (7%) and more. There were various outcomes recorded. One of them was that 18 (28%) referrals were assessed for Depression and for other mental health problems.78.6% of patients referred from A&E, and 95.2% of patients in the observation ward, were not seen in the 1 hour window set out by the Trust's guidelines. 91.1% of patients referred from the wards were seen within the 24 hour target.ConclusionThe vast majority of referrals were found to be appropriate (44/46). It was found that the referral form used across the Trust, contained different levels of details and information on the patient depending on the source of referral. Using a standard process to complete referral forms to be used across the whole trust may ensure that all patients receive a standardized and appropriate referral based on the guidelines. Making the form electronic may reduce problems deciphering handwriting, and could allow WMHLS have a better understanding of the patient, and allow them to identify a patient that may be more appropriate for another service, e.g. drugs and alcohol team. This may and make the overall referral process quicker and reduce waiting times in A&E, as well as faster referrals to the appropriate services.
Audit of delays in the diversion of mentally disordered defendants under the Mental Health Act 1983/2007 at a liaison and diversion service in North West London
Authors: Sukhwal Seema , Gordon-Ellis Claire , Tajblova Luneta 
Published: June 2021

AimsTo ascertain the length of time defendants wait for a Mental Health Act assessment (MHAA) and where necessary, how long they are waiting for a hospital bed.BackgroundThe Liaison and Diversion Service in North West London (the Service) is provided by Central North West London Foundation NHS Trust (CNWL), Barnet Enfield Haringey (BEH) and Together to Willesden Magistrates Court in North West London.One of the core activities of the Service is diverting individuals from the criminal justice system to hospital under the Mental Health Act (MHA).The Code of Practice allows for a period of 14 days between the medical recommendation and conveyance to hospital. Defendants needing admission under MHA are remanded to custody if a bed is not available. This prevents them from receiving the assessment and care they need. We consider that all defendants found to be liable to detention under the MHA should be admitted to a hospital bed on the same day.MethodData were collected between October 2018 and February 2019. All patients referred for a MHAA were included. The time a MHAA was requested, took place as well as how long the defendant waited for a bed was noted.ResultA total of 42 MHAA were requested. 25 individuals were detained under Section 2 of the MHA 1983.The time between referral for a MHAA and the MHAA taking place was obtained in 25 of the 42 referrals. The range of times between a referral being made and the assessment taking placed varied between 1.5 hours and 22 hours. Two defendants were remanded overnight in prison as the MHAA could not take place on the same day as the referral.In the 25 cases where an application for detention under Section 2 of the MHA was made, beds were not available on the same day in 7 cases. In 4 cases defendants required remand in prison custody due to beds not being available.ConclusionThere were some limitations to this audit as data were not available for all 42 individuals referred for a MHAA.Individuals referred for MHAA by the Service had both medical recommendations completed within 5 days and those who required admission to hospital were admitted within 14 days of the recommendations being completed.Whilst these standards are being met, individuals referred for MHAA and those requiring admission to hospital are still facing remand to custody.
Medical prescription and nursing administration of medication in learning disabilities in-patient settings
Authors: Williams Ellen , Choudry Ansar , Hussain Kabeer , Ravi Praveen , Zahid Sadia 
Published: June 2021

AimsThe aim of this re-audit was to review whether inpatientprescription cards are completed correctly by doctors and administered by nurses, and to compare the results with the previous audit.BackgroundWe carried out a re-audit of Medical Prescription and Nursing Administration of Medication in Learning Disabilities In-patient Settings. Black Country Partnership NHS Foundation Trust is committed to managing medicines safely, efficiently and effectively as a key part of delivering high quality patient centred care. In BCPFT medications are recorded by doctors on paper prescription cards and administered by registered nurses.MethodThis audit compared results against the standards for prescribing medication in BCPFT Medicines Policy.Prescription charts were retrospectively reviewed against 22 standards for all LD inpatients as outlined in the LD trust policy across all 3 of the Learning Disabilities in-patient units during May 2019 as long as they were still inpatients during this month. 27 prescription cards were reviewed in total.Result100% of prescription cards had patients full names , address , ward name, were fully legible , written in black ink, route of administration, approved abbreviation for route, date of prescription, signature of prescriber , prescription labelled as 1of 1 /2, frequency of prn meds and indication . Whereas only 96% had generic drug names, clearly documented doses and time of administration along with acceptable abbreviation and appropriate code for omission. 85% drugs had a stop date once drug was stopped and 85% had allergies recorded in red and had a line drawn through once drug was omitted.ConclusionThe re- audit was highlighted to inpatient managers, nursing staff, The Medicines Management Committee (MMC) anddoctors in the Learning Disability division. Prescribers werereminded of the importance of documenting a stop date for the prescriptions and signing off once drug is crossed out. It was discussed in MMC to consider removing the standard for recording allergies in red ink as the box is already red in colour. The PRN section for medication does not have an area to sign when the drug is cancelled and this in particular is the case when PRN medication is re-written. It was discussed to limit this standard to regular medication and to be taken in consideration if the current drug chart requires redesigning in the future. We also recommended a re- audit in 2 years’ time.