Physical health assessment and medicines reconciliation on admission to an acute mental health unit: a quality improvement project

Abstract

Individuals with mental health disorders are at greater risk of physical health problems. Medicines reconciliation reduces medication errors on admission. The aim of this project was to improve compliance with the completion of physical health assessments and medicines reconciliation forms by using a set standard stating that all patients must have the above completed at the point of admission to an acute mental health unit. The notes for all inpatients were reviewed for evidence of completed physical assessments and medicines reconciliation forms. This was done at three different time points: baseline, 2 months after the introduction of recommendations (1st intervention) and 2 months later when an online system of record keeping was trialled (2nd intervention). At baseline (n=33), 16 (49%) had a physical examination, 15 (46%) had an ECG, 17 (52%) had baseline bloods and 4 (12%) had a completed medicine reconciliation form. After the 2nd intervention (n=31), 25 (81%) had a physical examination, 25 (81%) had an ECG, 23 (74%) had baseline bloods and 23 (74%) had a completed medicine reconciliation form. Physical health assessments and medicines reconciliation are important aspects of patient care. The interventions introduced have improved the quality of practice at an acute mental health unit.