Audit of out-patients on ‘higher dose’ antipsychotics

Abstract

Standards developed from the Royal College of Psychiatrists' consensus statement on the use of high-dose antipsychotics were audited. The baseline survey and two completed audit cycles are described showing improvement in the monitoring and management of out-patients on higher dose depot antipsychotics. Initially the main problem was poor attendance at hospital appointments. Practice was changed by (a) medical staff becoming more assertive and visiting non-attenders at home; (b) a phlebotomist visiting patients at home. Deinstitutionalisation has relocated many patients with chronic psychoses into the community, but services, including the ancillary services, have sometimes been slow to follow. This audit found that the most effective change was the provision of services to patients in their own home.