bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Identification and Management of Substance Misuse in Patients Referred for Psychodynamic Psychotherapy: A Service Evaluation Project
Authors: Lusby Joshua , Chu Kenny , Sathanandan Shivanthi , Hillen Thomas 
Published: June 2022

AimsTo evaluate and improve upon collection of data pertaining to substance misuse in opt-in questionnaires sent to patients accepted by a psychodynamic psychotherapy service in an inner London Trust, and to explore options for improving care for the population of patients identified as potentially having a substance misuse issue who are accepted by the service.MethodsAn initial audit of all opt-in questionnaires was conducted between September 2019 and September 2020. In this analysis of 144 responses, 72 were found to have indicated that they had experience of a substance misuse disorder. Of these responses, 55% of answers made it possible to discern the substance of misuse, and 31% of answers allowed for differentiation between historic and current misuse. In response to these findings, the AUDIT-C was incorporated into the opt in questionnaire with data subsequently collected and analysed between December 2020 and February 2021. Subsequently, patients identified as having and AUDIT-C score indicating possible harmful or dependent drinking were offered interventions stratified by score with a clinician supervised by the substance misuse serviceResultsIn the re-audit period of opt-in questionnaires, there were 31 respondents, of whom 90% indicated that they or a contact had been concerned about their substance use. Inclusion of the AUDIT-C allowed for differentiation between alcohol and other substances in 100% of cases, and in 71% of cases it was possible to discern current vs historic substance misuse. In the period of December 2020- December 2021, four patients accepted the offer of a brief intervention.ConclusionIt was felt that obtaining higher quality data pertaining to substance misuse in patients accepted for psychotherapy was beneficial in terms of being better able to understand needs of patients and also to guide clinical management. Furthermore, introduction of a pathway to guide interventions in cases identified as being potentially at risk appeared to be effective in addressing substance misuse within this population. It is hoped that this preliminary evaluation can guide further service model development within this psychotherapy department and within other services in order to better address the needs and improve access to services of patients with comorbid substance misuse disorders.
Audit on Availability, Quality and Frequency of Clinical Supervision
Authors: Askew Elizabeth , Gnanasekaram Gayathri , Hoar Amanda 
Published: June 2022

AimsWe have completed a cycle of audit on the availability and quality of clinical supervision in Somerset NHS Foundation Trust. Last year we had highlighted the results of our first survey (run in 2020) in local teaching and audit meetings. We have now completed the cycle following the intervention. Both Severn deanery and Somerset NHS Foundation Trust both recommend psychiatry trainees have one hour of supervision per week, involving exploration of trainee clinical and educational needs. This audit is now part of a quality improvement project being run across Severn Deanery. This particular audit focuses on the results from Somerset NHS Foundation Trust.MethodsTrainees working in Somerset NHS Foundation Trust were invited to participate in this survey. We used the original survey from last year but added further white spaces to invite feedback and to explore what was particularly good about the clinical supervision currently offered. Questions on accomplishing workplace based assessments (WPBA), managing e-portfolio requirements were asked, with Likert scale responses available. The survey was sent out in the form of Microsoft Forms disseminated via email to all junior doctors (n = 27).Survey was run from May till June 2021 (nearing the end of placement). We sent out 3 reminders before closing the survey. The authors of the audit then reviewed the data.Results9 out of 27 doctors responded, response rate of 33%. Our last survey had a response rate of 63%. Supervision appears to be more regular now with only 11% stating that they were meeting their supervisor sometimes in comparison to 17% the last survey. Similar percentage of respondents were able to complete WBPAs as in the last survey (88% Vs 89%).QI project/audits were being discussed at a similar rate (60% Vs 66%). 75% of psychiatry trainee respondents were discussing their psychotherapy competencies (42% were having some discussion in the last survey). There was a better response from GP and FY doctors for this survey.ConclusionResponse rate appears to have fallen, however supervision appears to be more regular with more focus on competencies.White space answers showed that most trainees were satisfied with supervision. However, supervision could be more consistent and serious attempts must be made to protect it from clinical work overshadowing it.We will be comparing the results of our audit in Somerset NHS Foundation Trust to the results from other parts of the deanery.
Risk Assessments of Patients Admitted to Mixed Inpatient Psychiatric Wards: A Clinical Audit
Authors: Bennett Sharna , Delaffon Vijay 
Published: June 2022

AimsFollowing a Serious Incident (SI) on a mixed sex ward; it was important to investigate whether this is a widespread problem in Psychiatry. The acute care group standard is that patients with known risk to the opposite sex should not be admitted to mixed sex wards. A comprehensive risk assessment should take place when a patient is admitted to a mixed sex ward. Furthermore, if any risks are identified, these should be escalated to the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including the nurse-in-charge and on-call Consultant Psychiatrist.MethodsWe conducted a literature search to establish how different Trusts consider risk when arranging for admission, as well as to identify whether single-sex wards have helped to reduce the incidence of serious incidents. We then retrospectively collected data from 10 inpatients present on mixed sex wards throughout Kent and Medway in May 2021. This involved searching electronic notes at the point of admission, including progress notes and risk assessments to identify whether information is present to suggest that an admission to a mixed sex ward is unsuitable, and if so, whether this has been appropriately escalated.ResultsWhen patient notes were surveyed, only 50% of patients had a full risk assessment documented. Historical risks were documented in 40% of patients notes at admission. Junior doctors are required to complete an admission clerking for new patients, which should include a risk assessment; 70% of these contained a risk assessment, and 60% discussed risks towards others. 30% of patients had identifiable risks to the opposite sex but were admitted to a mixed sex ward. However, none of these cases were escalated to the MDT for discussion regarding the most suitable ward for the patient.ConclusionWhen patients are admitted to any inpatient psychiatric ward it is important to document a full risk assessment including historical risks. Unfortunately, full risk assessments were not always carried out at the point of admission, meaning that patients who had been admitted to mixed sex wards remained there despite previously documented risks. In general, junior doctors included risk assessments in their admission clerkings, but there is evidently room for improvement from all healthcare professionals. Recommendations for improvement are to generate specific guidance for documenting risk assessments and to offer teaching to healthcare professionals on ensuring they have completed a comprehensive risk assessment and when it is appropriate to escalate this to ensure further serious incidents do not occur. Re-audit is scheduled for March 2022.
Prescribing of Psychiatric Drugs in Pregnancy: A Review of Current Practice in a Community Mental Healthcare Setting
Authors: Hickling Lucy , Kar Nilamadhab 
Published: June 2022

AimsPrescribing of psychotropic medications in pregnancy is still considered a ‘grey area’ in clinical practice. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) in the UK suggests that the decisions should be person-specific, considering the risks to both the mother and unborn child, and the patient is supported to make an informed decision. It is important to explore the use of psychotropic medications during pregnancy, or lack of it, and its subsequent impact on maternal mental health. It was intended to review the decisions expectant mothers are making regarding taking psychiatric medications during pregnancy, and the associated clinical outcomes. Their mental capacity for taking decisions was also checked.MethodsA retrospective audit of case notes of patients (n = 16) known to community psychiatric team (CMHT) and specialist perinatal mental health (PNS) services in Wolverhampton, who notified their pregnancy between December 2020 and December 2021. Demographic and clinical data were collected from the electronic records.ResultsThe sample had a mean age of 28.8 ± 6.3 years (range: 19 to 39 years), and 68.8% of them were Caucasian. A wide range of psychiatric diagnoses were present, most (62.5%) had comorbid diagnoses; and 25% had substance use, most commonly cannabis. Mean duration of gestation at the review following notification of pregnancy was 14.5 ± 7.7 (range: 6 to 29) weeks. It was observed that 25% were not taking psychiatric medications prior to pregnancy, 43.8% stopped taking their medication prior to the psychiatric review, most stopping abruptly, and 31.2% had continued their medication. The medications included aripiprazole, olanzapine, quetiapine, venlafaxine, sertraline and promethazine. Following the review, only 18.8% continued their medications. Of the 13 (81.3%) patients who were not taking medications, 9 (69.2%) had adverse mental health outcomes, with 2 (15.4%) patients requiring inpatient care. However, later 8 (61.5%) started taking medications whilst under the care of PNS. All of them had mental capacity to decide regarding their psychiatric treatment at the review.ConclusionMost psychiatric patients avoided taking psychotropic medications initially during pregnancy, however, a considerable proportion restarted their medications following review with the perinatal psychiatry team. The majority of patients who did not take medications had negative mental health consequences. It is important to develop an evidence base about the use of psychiatric medications in pregnancy and the associated short and long-term outcomes that may help the quality of information shared with patients.
Investigating the Influence of the Pandemic on the Wandsworth Home Treatment Team
Authors: Ali Ibrahim , Hubbeling Allerdiena , Saxena Saurabh 
Published: June 2022

AimsThis study aimed to determine the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on the Wandsworth Home Treatment Team (HTT), South West London and St. George's Mental Health NHS Trust. We hypothesised that demographics and illness characteristics of patients would differ before and during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic and that concerns about possible infection with COVID-19 influenced the decision to be referred to the HTT. Additionally, we hypothesised that there would be fewer face-to-face contacts during the initial months of the pandemic.MethodsRoutinely collected data from the trust's electronic records (RiO) were compared from the 15th March – 15th May in both 2019 (control) and 2020 (early pandemic). Patients could have a maximum of 1 variable absent to be included in the study and should have been under the care of the WHTT for longer than 2 days. Overall, 301 patients were included in this study, 181 from 2019 and 122 from 2020. Variables compared were: marital status, age, sex, ethnicity, diagnosis, referral source, referral urgency, referral reason, referral weekday, count seen (number of contacts with a clinician), face-to-face contacts, and length of stay.ResultsThe demographic variables: age, sex, marital status, and ethnicity were not significant. Likewise, the length of stay of patients, referral reason, and referral weekday were also not significant. However, during the early pandemic, there was an increase of 11% in the diagnosis of psychotic disorders/psychotic episodes (p = 0.039). Further, the referral urgency of patients within the 2020 period was significantly raised (p=>0.01). The referral source of patients was significantly different with an increased number of patients having been referred to the HTT from the ward (p = 0.017). The mean interactions (count seen) between patients and clinicians significantly lessened from 2019 to 2020, 12.8 Vs 10.2 (p = 0.008). Moreover, the percentage of face-to-face contact had also decreased from 2019 to 2020, 56.1 Vs 46.6 (p = 0.007).ConclusionOverall, less patients received care from the home treatment team during the first wave of the pandemic. Age, marital status, sex, ethnicity, length of stay, referral reason, and weekday were not significant. On the contrary, the diagnosis of patients, count seen, face-to-face contacts, referral urgency, and referral source were statistically significant. These findings reflect a different referral pattern to the Wandsworth HTT during the initial months of the pandemic accompanied with fewer face-to-face and other interactions overall.
Assessing the Anticholinergic Burden in the West Memory Assessment Service (MAS)
Authors: Lees Rebecca , Alderson John 
Published: June 2022

AimsAim: Evaluate the recording of the Anti-Cholinergic Burden (ACB) score for patients referred to the West Leeds Memory Assessment Service (MAS). Objectives: 1) Calculate the Anti cholinergic Burden score of all patients referred to the West MAS in June 2021 where this has not already been done. 2) Determine if there is a need to review the process for assessing this component of the cognitive assessment in MAS.MethodsAll patients who were referred to the West MAS in June 2021 were included in this project. Data were collected from GP referral letters, the referral meeting documentation and patients’ GP prescriptions.These records were checked for a documented ACB score. If ACB scores were not found, they were calculated based on a patient's GP prescription. Several ACB calculators were used to do this, as NICE does not recommend a specific scoring system.ResultsThere were 60 referrals in June 2021. Within this data set, there were no documented ACB scores found at the point of referral.The different scoring systems used led to considerably different ACB scores, with the lowest figure suggesting 20.4% of patients had a raised ACB score (n = 10).In all three scoring systems used, the medication most frequently leading to a larger anticholinergic burden is Amitriptyline.ConclusionWithin the service, during the referral process we are not routinely documenting anticholinergic burden. We are in the process of agreeing a standardised ACB tool to review all new referrals to the service and determine how we can communicate these findings with referrers. We are looking to improve local awareness of ACB scoring across the memory pathway and will undertake a re-audit of practice in 3 months to establish if the proposed changes improve our results
Audit on COVID-19 Vaccine Uptake and Hesitancy Amongst Pregnant or Postnatal Patients Under the Care of a Perinatal Mental Health Community Team
Authors: Nair Bosky , Oh Alex , Alsahaf Mahdi , Etteh Unwana 
Published: June 2022

AimsWomen with perinatal mental illness are at increased risk for severe illness with COVID-19. Vaccination against COVID-19 is strongly recommended by JCVI (Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation) and RCOG guidance. Mental health professionals should proactively inform their patients about COVID-19 vaccination and also address any concerns or misinformation, should they be raised. The aim of this audit was to evaluate the rate of uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine among patients under the West Kent community perinatal mental health team. In addition, we aimed to identify factors that deter patients from taking the COVID-19 vaccine. In patients who were hesitant to take the vaccine, we offered further information to aid their decision-making process.MethodsWe identified patients under the care of the West Kent perinatal mental health community team on 27/10/2021. We excluded patients who were discharged from the team in subsequent weeks during data collection. We collected patient demographics including highest level of education, ethnicity, religion and socio-economic status. Patients’ COVID-19 vaccine status was obtained via GP records or through telephone contact.If patients had not had their COVID-19 vaccine, they were contacted to enquire whether they were planning to take the vaccine, if not, to ascertain reasons for refusal and whether they wanted additional information about the vaccine. Those women who requested additional information were offered the RCOG information sheet and decision aid.ResultsAmongst 86 patients included in the audit, 59% (n = 51) had taken both dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and 12% (n = 10) had taken a single dose. 29% (n = 25) were unvaccinated.68% (n = 17) of unvaccinated patients were pregnant and 32% (n = 8) were postnatal. All women who did not accept COVID-19 vaccine were contacted to offer further information. Following this contact, 39% (n = 9) decided to accept the vaccine, 52% (n = 12) refused the vaccine and 26% (n = 6) were uncertain but were willing to consider taking the vaccine in the future.The reasons for hesitancy in accepting the vaccine included a lack of trust in the vaccine, concerns around its development over a short period of time, concerns around close associates experiencing illness or side effects after taking the vaccine and scepticism over efficacy of the vaccine. Few women did not wish to take the vaccine during their pregnancy, but were willing to consider it after the birth of their baby.ConclusionWe identified potential areas to optimise uptake of COVID-19 vaccines by discussing the importance, safety, efficacy and providing up-to-date information regarding COVID-19 vaccine in the perinatal period.
Clinical Audit of the Awareness of Safety Guidelines on Lithium Prescribing Within the Acute Hospital- James Cook University Hospital
Authors: Shakur Nayeema , Tahir Mubin , Badanapuram Ramanand , Nag Sagrika 
Published: June 2022

AimsLithium is a useful drug and is of particular benefit in patients with chronic mood disorders like bipolar affective disorder and recurrent depression. Lithium requires careful monitoring and dose adjustment for safe use due to its narrow therapeutic index and high potential for toxicity. Monitoring must carry on even when mental health patients taking Lithium are admitted to acute hospital. Therefore, the main aim of this clinical audit was to evaluate the level of awareness of the lithium safety guidance amongst medical staff working within the Acute Hospital, James Cook University Hospital. Ideally 100% of staff should have the appropriate knowledge.MethodsQuestionnaire consisted of 6 items which were derived from key points within the Trust guidelines for Lithium. It was designed to highlight the key points in the document and check the level of awareness of the respondents. Respondents were drawn from James Cook University Hospital and South Tees Liaison Psychiatry team. A total of 25 respondents were included in the study.Results96% (24/25) of the respondents were aware that renal and thyroid function should be checked for patients on Lithium. 84% (21/25) were aware of the potential impact of Lithium on Kidney function (eGFR) and 68% (17/25) were aware of signs of Lithium toxicity.60% (15/25) of acute staff were aware about referring patients with deranged Lithium levels to the Liaison Psychiatry team. 40% (10/25) were aware of the drugs that could potentially increase lithium levels like Diuretics, Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ACE (angiotensin converting enzyme) inhibitors. Only 24% (6/25) of acute trust staff were aware about checking lithium levels on admission.ConclusionIdeally, a 100% compliance and positive response rate should be achieved as these relate to completion of expected safety checks. Lithium is a potentially high-risk drug with a narrow therapeutic index. Possibility of its acute and chronic side effects, including lithium toxicity, makes it essential to follow safety guidelines on lithium prescribing and hence ensure patient safety.In view of this, the clinical audit results clearly show that there is significant room for improvement to achieve a 100% positive response rate for awareness of safety guidelines on Lithium prescribing.Overall, there were an average of 57% positive responses and 42% negative responses for awareness of various aspects of the safety guidelines for Lithium.A robust action plan which included teaching sessions on creating awareness about lithium monitoring was planned because of this audit.
The Impact of COVID-19 on the Quality of Admission Clerkings on an Old Age Psychiatry Ward – an Audit
Authors: Shanley Ivan , Faheem Jaweria , Bansal Sandeep , Khan Mahnur , Jeetun Hana 
Published: June 2022

AimsOn 11th February 2020 a novel coronavirus was named SARS-CoV-2, with the World Health Organisation announcing that the associate disease would be known as COVID-19. As doctors providing an inpatient psychiatric service, there were various changes in our daily practice secondary to the pandemic. These included reduced staffing levels due to illness, the need to wear personal protective equipment during all patient contact and high levels of anxiety surrounding transmission. We hypothesised that the resultant pressure on our service might impact the quality of admission clerkings to our ward, (a 17 bed functional Old Age Psychiatry ward), and therefore resolved to audit the data. We determined that “quality” of the clerking should be equated to completeness, i.e. the degree to which all desired information is included.MethodsAdmission clerkings to the ward are to be completed on a pro forma built within the electronic patient record system (“Paris”). This pro forma is based on guidelines for the admission of patients to psychiatric inpatient units produced by the Royal College of Psychiatrists. The standard for the audit was set as 90% compliance with each individual section of the pro forma.All admissions across three periods were extracted from the electronic record using the inbuilt reporting function. The periods were 1st April to 1st July in 2019 (pre-pandemic, n = 15), 2020 (early pandemic, n = 29) and 2021 (late pandemic, n = 22). Data were extracted manually from each admission clerking and recording anonymously on an excel spreadsheet, with either “yes” or “no” confirming or denying compliance with each domain (e.g. presenting complaint).ResultsAll domains showed improved compliance from 2019 to 2021 other than recording of the mental state examination which saw a 9.09% decrease (which is not statistically significant). Comparing the pandemic years, performance was better in the early pandemic in 4 domains, better in the late pandemic in 10 domains and equal in 6 domains. 4 domains demonstrated a statistically significant improvement compared to pre-pandemic, however 9 domains still fell below the 90% standard set.ConclusionDespite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic the quality of inpatient admission clerkings has not only remained unharmed but in some domains significantly improved. Admission numbers increased during the pandemic periods, so it may represent greater familiarity with the clerking process, or perhaps a desire to make more comprehensive notes during a time of crisis. Repetition of the study post pandemic may be of value.