Abstract
Aims and methodWe assessed venous thromboembolism (VTE) risk, barriers to prescribing VTE prophylaxis and completion of VTE risk assessment in psychiatric in-patients. This was a cross-sectional study conducted across three centres. We used the UK Department of Health VTE risk assessment tool which had been adapted for psychiatric patients. RESULTS: Of the 470 patients assessed, 144 (30.6%) were at increased risk of VTE. Patients on old age wards were more likely to be at increased risk than those on general adult wards (odds ratio = 2.26, 95% CI 1.51-3.37). Of those at higher risk of VTE, auditors recorded concerns about prescribing prophylaxis in 70 patients (14.9%). Only 20 (4.3%) patients had a completed risk assessment.Clinical implicationsMental health in-patients are likely to be at increased risk of VTE. VTE risk assessment is not currently embedded in psychiatric in-patient care. There is a need for guidance specific to this population.Declaration of interestNone.
Highlights
Patients on old age wards were more likely to be at increased risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) (41.4%) than patients on general adult wards (Table 3)
The primary aim of this study was to assess whether psychiatric in-patients are at increased risk of VTE
A third of patients were judged to be at increased risk, indicating that they would merit some form of intervention on an acute medical ward, such as increasing patient mobility, compression stockings or sub-cutaneous heparin
Summary
Families felt more informed and found the increased access to information useful. They felt that the process showed respect for them and their family member, and that their contribution was valued. Patients admitted to a psychiatric intensive care unit (PICU) are nearly always detained under the Mental Health Act.[1] It is a recommendation of the Act that carers and family members are involved in the care of those being detained. ‘Family intervention’ can range from systemic family therapy[2] to short conversations with nurses.[3] Common practice in psychiatric in-patient settings is to invite relatives to attend ward rounds during normal working hours.
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