Abstract

Trainees in psychiatry frequently employ rapid tranquillisation (RT) measures. In this study we surveyed trainees as to RT regimes used. We found that a variety of drugs were chosen. On 45 (46%) occasions one drug was used, on 53 (54%) a combination. Drugs were administered in intramuscular form in 88 (90%) incidents. Zuclopenthixol acetate was prescribed on a total of 45 (46%) occasions. In 38 (39%) incidents the trainee used a high-dose regime. The literature regarding RT indicates inconsistency in practice. We address the reasons for this and make suggestions as to possible improvement in practice.

Highlights

  • Trainees in psychiatry frequently employ rapid tranquillisation (RT) measures

  • Junior doctors, when confronted with patient violence, must make swift decisions with regard to management. This management involves the use of rapid tranquillisation (RT)

  • A questionnaire was circulated to trainees participating in three training schemes

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Summary

Rapid tranquillisation:are we getting it right?

Trainees in psychiatry frequently employ rapid tranquillisation (RT) measures. On 45 (46%) occasions one drug was used, on 53 (54%) a combination. Drugs were administered in intramuscular form in 88 (90%) incidents. The literature regarding RT indicates inconsistency in practice. We address the reasons for this and make suggestions as to possible improvement in practice. Junior doctors, when confronted with patient violence, must make swift decisions with regard to management. This management involves the use of rapid tranquillisation (RT). This has been defined as the administration of varying amounts of antipsychotic medication over brief intervals of time to control agitated and threatening patients This has been defined as the administration of varying amounts of antipsychotic medication over brief intervals of time to control agitated and threatening patients (Dubin. 1989)

The study
Chlorpromazine Chlorpromazine Chlorpromazine
No of incidents

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