The Psychiatrist (2009) 33: 451-454. doi: 10.1192/pb.bp.107.019232
© 2009 The Royal College of Psychiatrists
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Setting standards for physical health monitoring in patients on antipsychotics

Samantha Churchward, Forensic Services Pharmacist

Devon Partnership NHS Trust, Langdon Hospital, Devon

Susan M. Oxborrow, Staff Grade Psychiatrist

Bluebird House, Southampton

Victor O. Olotu, Staff Grade Psychiatrist

Langdon Hospital, Exeter Road, Dawlish, Devon, email: victor.olotu{at}nhs.uk

M. Deepak Thalitaya, Specialist Trainee Registrar

Brooklands Hospital, Brian Oliver Centre, Birmingham

Declaration of interest

None.

AIMS AND METHOD

To develop standards for physical health monitoring in patients on antipsychotics in a forensic environment. We reviewed recommendations for physical health checks from key publications and then agreed a consensus on what to monitor and how often.

RESULTS

We developed a standardised form to ensure the requisite minimum monitoring is performed when a patient is newly prescribed an antipsychotic drug or the dose is increased, when an abnormality is detected and for routine annual physical health monitoring.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

We have produced a pragmatic solution to the gap between the recognised risks to physical health of individuals treated with antipsychotic medication and the need for clear, unambiguous standards of physical healthcare.