This audit project was undertaken in 1998/99 and
was the second subscription-based multi-centre clinical audit to be
organised by the CRU. The prescribing of anti-psychotic medication,
a key priority area for mental health providers was chosen for a
number of reasons:
- Over prescribing may lead to dangerous or unnecessary side
effects
- Side effects are frequently cited by service users as a reason
for non-compliance with medication and other aspects of care
- Poor practice or inadequate note-keeping on the prescription of
anti-psychotics accounts for a high proportion of negligence claims
against mental health services
- Permanent neurological damage or death caused by anti-psychotic
medication may be dose-related
- The cost of new atypical anti-psychotic drugs may lead to their
use being rationalised
Launched in June 1998, over fifty Trusts subscribed to this audit
which examined the prescribing of anti-psychotic medication
(including the use of high and multiple doses) based on standards
developed by an expert panel convened by the Royal College of
Psychiatrists.