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Monitoring Physical Health and Adverse Effects in Children and Adolescents Prescribed Antipsychotics
Author(s) -
Grzeskowiak Luke E,
Ellis David P,
Phillips Adam J,
Angley Manya T
Publication year - 2008
Publication title -
journal of pharmacy practice and research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.222
H-Index - 22
eISSN - 2055-2335
pISSN - 1445-937X
DOI - 10.1002/j.2055-2335.2008.tb00787.x
Subject(s) - medicine , guideline , adverse effect , family medicine , chart , statistics , mathematics , pathology
Background The adverse effects and long‐term health risks associated with antipsychotic use means that monitoring children and adolescents prescribed these medications is important. Aim To implement an evidence‐based chart and guideline to monitor physical health and adverse effects in children and adolescents prescribed antipsychotics in a range of practice settings; and to identify the barriers and benefits of implementation. Method Using an action research approach a pilot trial was undertaken to implement a chart and guideline in a range of practice settings. Patient and health professional resource kits and an information compact disc were produced to facilitate implementation. Barriers identified during implementation were doctor/health professional, patient‐related and environmental. Carer and doctor satisfaction questionnaires were administered to assess the implementation process and evaluate the quality and usefulness of the monitoring chart and guideline. Results 10 doctors were recruited to participate in the implementation trial and 21 patients prescribed antipsychotics were enrolled. Monitoring data collected retrospectively from patients' case notes, such as weight/height measurements and haematological monitoring were congruent with the guideline in 41% and 29% of patients respectively. Carer and doctor satisfaction questionnaires indicated that the monitoring package was well received and raised awareness of potential adverse effects and the importance of monitoring. Conclusion The monitoring package can bridge the evidence to practice gap regarding monitoring physical health and adverse effects in children and adolescents prescribed antipsychotics.