The Psychiatrist (2009) 33: 364-367. doi: 10.1192/pb.bp.108.022632
© 2009 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Outcomes of information provision to callers to a psychiatric medication helpline

Olubanke Olofinjana, Senior Pharmacist

Pharmacy Department

Anne Connolly, Principal Pharmacist

Pharmacy Department

David Taylor, Chief Pharmacist

Pharmacy Department, Maudsley Hospital, London SE5 8AZ, email: david.taylor{at}slam.nhs.uk

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

To examine outcomes of information received by callers to a psychiatric medication helpline. A questionnaire was completed over the telephone with 123 callers, asking about the reason for contacting the helpline, frequency of self-referral to a healthcare professional, action taken as a result of information received, and satisfaction with the service and quality of information received.

RESULTS

Almost half of callers reported changes to their medication (stopping, starting, switching or dose adjustment) after consulting the helpline, with the majority receiving reassurance, referral, review and monitoring. Over half contacted a healthcare professional afterwards. Satisfaction with the quality of information and service provided by the helpline was very high.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

Information provided by a psychiatric medication helpline can result in changes to caller’s treatment and increase contact with other healthcare professionals.