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Blood glucose testing for adults prescribed atypical antipsychotics in primary and secondary care

Sutton Health Centre, New Street, Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire NG17 1BW, e-mail: jane.tarrant{at}nottshc.nhs.uk

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

The routine monitoring of blood glucose indices for all patients on atypical antipsychotics in 2004 in a rural adult psychiatric sector was examined. Pragmatic and practical standards were based on consensus expert opinion, National Institute for Clinical Excellence and prescribing guidelines.

RESULTS

The audit was completed on 60 atypical antipsychotic prescriptions. Testing of blood glucose prior to the initiation or change of an atypical antipsychotic was largely followed, with an overall adherence rate of 82%. However, there were large differences in testing between in-patient and community settings. Routine yearly monitoring in the community was inadequate, with an adherence rate of 63%.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

There is a welcome emphasis on the physical health of those with severe and enduring mental illness. New initiatives, including prescribing guidelines, the care programme approach and primary care registers, offer the opportunity to develop consistency and coordination between primary and secondary care in the routine monitoring of psychiatric treatments and physical health in these patients.

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Muthusamy Natarajan and Karen D’Silva
PB 2007 31: 234. [Full Text]  

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