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Lookup NU author(s): Dr Iain McKinnonORCiD
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Aim: To appraise the standard of monitoring of adult patients taking medication for Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) using the criteria laid out in the Trust’s Shared Care Guidelines.Method: All patients with ADHD under outpatient care of one community consultant were identified. Computerised medical records were reviewed for the date of the last clinic review and the details of prescribed medication. The records were also searched for the most recent evidence of documented weight, pulse and blood pressure. Letters were sent to each patient’s GP requesting the most recent: blood pressure, pulse, weight, body mass index recordings and the dates when these were obtained. One month was allowed for the return of the results and after one month the practices who had not replied were contacted by telephone. According to our Shared Care Agreement patients should have their physical health monitored every 6 months and a specialist review annually.Results: 14 patients from the consultant’s caseload were identified to be taking medication for adult ADHD; data were available for all 14 patients: 5 patients were prescribed atomoxetine, 5 were prescribed methylphenidate and 4 patients were prescribed both methylphenidate and atomoxetine. Eight (57%) patients had their weight recorded, seven (50%) had their blood pressure recorded and five (36%) had their pulse recorded in the preceding 6 months. Only four (29%) had all three of the physical health parameters recorded. All of the patients had received a specialist review in the last 1 year.Conclusions: Physical health monitoring within general practice is not being carried out as per the Trust Shared Care Agreement. Pulses are the most poorly recorded parameter. Specialist services are carrying out annual reviews, however, these are not documenting the criteria that NICE (National Institute forHealth and Care Excellence) and our local Share Care Agreement suggest should be addressed within the structure of that review. We recommend that the issue of poor monitoring be addressed by written information reminding GP practices of their role in this process. We also recommend the consideration of an aide memoire for the annual review appointment to ensure that all NICE recommended criteria are being reviewed yearly.
Author(s): O'Farrell K, Joyce J, McKinnon I
Publication type: Conference Proceedings (inc. Abstract)
Publication status: Published
Conference Name: Royal College of Psychiatrists Faculty Psychiatry of Intellectual Disability Annual Conference 2014
Year of Conference: 2014
Pages: 54-55
Print publication date: 02/10/2014
Acceptance date: 02/10/2014
