Assessment of physical monitoring following rapid tranquillisation: a national survey

Abstract

BackgroundRapid tranquillisation (RT) is a high risk clinical intervention in terms of potential physical health complications. There has been no published work in the UK to survey nationally whether standards for post RT physical monitoring (as set out in organisation's RT documents) are being adequately audited.AimTo review current auditing of RT practice in England, with particular emphasis on examination of post RT physical monitoring.MethodA scrutiny of evidence provided by English NHS mental health trusts to illustrate auditing of adult RT documents.ResultsFifty-eight mental health trusts in England were contacted. Less than one-third could provide evidence of an audit of post RT physical health monitoring. These audits were variable with respect to what aspect of physical health monitoring they focused on. When results of all audits were combined, it revealed a concerning finding that basic physical observations and investigations were not performed consistently following RT.Conclusions and Implications for Clinical PracticeThe current paucity of trust audits of post RT physical monitoring and the poor practice observed in those audits could reflect a lack of clarity in both trust and national guidelines, as well as poor clinical practice. Given the risks to a patient's physical health associated with RT it is essential to ensure high quality care in this area.