scholarly journals Melatonin prescribing practices and the provision of sleep hygiene/parent-led sleep behavioural Interventions in S-CAMHS, Aneurin Bevan University Health Board (ABUHB)- Service evaluation as part of quality improvement project

BJPsych Open ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (S1) ◽  
pp. S351-S352
Author(s):  
Kathryn Speedy ◽  
Lokesh Nukalapati ◽  
Kathryn Speedy ◽  
Megan Davies-Kabir

AimsTo identify the number of patients currently on melatoninTo determine the average duration of use of melatonin in patients under the care of S-CAMHS in ABUHBTo investigate whether behaviour interventions were tried and reinforced from time to timeTo identify any areas of improvementMethodData were collected at St. Cadoc's hospital, in January, 2021. S-CAMHS database was used. Out of total 346 patient currently being managed with pharmacological therapies, 115 (33.2%) are currently on melatonin. 57/115 were randomly selected as a sample for this this project. Patient notes and EPEX software were also used to collect information regarding the sleep management practices.ResultDuring analysis, it was noticed that within the sample, only 46 patients were actively on melatonin. Melatonin is prescribed for sleep related issues in ASD (8/46), ADHD (15/46), ASD and ADHD (10/46), ADHD and mood disorder (0/46), ASD and mood disorder (6/46), ADHD and behaviour difficulties (2/46), ASD with behaviour difficulties (1/46), mood disorder (4/46).39/46 patients are currently on melatonin for more than a year (85%). These patients also include 10 patients who have been using melatonin for 5 years or more.35 patients (76%) reported improved sleep or some benefit from melatonin.Evidence for implementation of parent-led sleep behavioural interventions:Prior to commencing melatonin- Clear evidence available for 35 patients only (76%). These interventions were however not deemed helpful by most of the service users.While prescribing melatonin- Clear evidence available for 39(85%) patients. Evidence base for melatonin was also discussed during this visit.During last follow-up visit- Evidence available for 31 patients only (67%).ConclusionMajority of patients under S-CAMHS ABUHB remain on melatonin therapy for longer than one year. Most of these patients have reported benefit from this therapy and preferred to remain on it despite being informed about evidence base for melatonin. Also, there is evidence for implementation of sleep behavioural interventions prior to prescribing melatonin, however their benefit remains unclear.Recommendations:The quality of education on sleep hygiene offered should be assessed and improved if neededFormal group sessions/workshops on sleep hygiene/parent-led sleep behavioural interventions at regular intervals might be useful in reducing the chances of long term polypharmacy or unlicensed drugsUse of outcome measures such as Child Sleep Habits Questionnaire at intervals can be helpful in identifying any improvement from educational/pharmacological interventionsS-CAMHS database (for patients actively on medications) needs a review and update

2019 ◽  
Vol 56 (Special) ◽  
pp. 82-91 ◽  
Author(s):  
LV Subba Rao ◽  
RA Fiyaz ◽  
AK Jukanti ◽  
G Padmavathi ◽  
J Badri ◽  
...  

India is the second largest producer of rice in the world and it is the most important staple food grain. All India Coordinated Rice Improvement Project (AICRIP) was initiated with objective of conducting multi-location trials to identify suitable genotypes of high yield potential along with appropriate crop management practices. Since its inception AICRIP contributed significantly in meeting the growing demand both within and outside India. Significant progress has been achieved through AICRIP in terms of varietal release thereby increasing the crop productivity and also meeting the food and nutritional security. This paper makes a sincere effort in bringing out the significant achievements/milestones achieved under the AICRIP program and also gives a few directions for widening the areas under AICRIP.


2020 ◽  
Vol 36 (3) ◽  
pp. 61-72
Author(s):  
Melinda McGinty ◽  
◽  
Betty Poot ◽  
Jane Clarke ◽  
◽  
...  

The expansion of prescribing rights in Aotearoa New Zealand has enabled registered nurse prescribers (RN prescribers) working in primary care and specialty teams, to enhance nursing care, by prescribing medicines to their patient population. This widening of prescribing rights was to improve the population’s access to medicines and health care; however, little is known about the medications prescribed by RN prescribers. This paper reports on a descriptive survey of self-reported RN prescribers prescribing in a single district health board. The survey tool used was a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet to record nurse’s area of practice, patient demographic details, health conditions seen, and medicines prescribed and deprescribed. Simple data descriptions and tabulations were used to report the data. Eleven RN prescribers consented to take part in the survey and these nurses worked in speciality areas of cardiology, respiratory, diabetes, and primary care. Findings from the survey demonstrated that RN prescribers prescribe medicines within their area of practice and within the limits of the list of medicines for RN prescribers. Those working in primary care saw a wider range of health conditions and therefore prescribed a broader range of medications. This survey revealed that the list of medications available for RN prescribers needs to be updated regularly to align with the release of evidence-based medications on the New Zealand Pharmaceutical Schedule. It is also a useful record for both educational and clinical settings of the types of medications prescribed by RN prescribers.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2729
Author(s):  
Julie Lapointe ◽  
Michel Dorval ◽  
Jocelyne Chiquette ◽  
Yann Joly ◽  
Jason Robert Guertin ◽  
...  

Medical genetic services are facing an unprecedented demand for counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) in a context of limited resources. To help resolve this issue, a collaborative oncogenetic model was recently developed and implemented at the CHU de Québec-Université Laval; Quebec; Canada. Here, we present the protocol of the C-MOnGene (Collaborative Model in OncoGenetics) study, funded to examine the context in which the model was implemented and document the lessons that can be learned to optimize the delivery of oncogenetic services. Within three years of implementation, the model allowed researchers to double the annual number of patients seen in genetic counseling. The average number of days between genetic counseling and disclosure of test results significantly decreased. Group counseling sessions improved participants’ understanding of breast cancer risk and increased knowledge of breast cancer and genetics and a large majority of them reported to be overwhelmingly satisfied with the process. These quality and performance indicators suggest this oncogenetic model offers a flexible, patient-centered and efficient genetic counseling and testing for HBOC. By identifying the critical facilitating factors and barriers, our study will provide an evidence base for organizations interested in transitioning to an oncogenetic model integrated into oncology care; including teams that are not specialized but are trained in genetics.


2013 ◽  
Vol 93 (7) ◽  
pp. 975-985 ◽  
Author(s):  
Heidi J. Engel ◽  
Shintaro Tatebe ◽  
Philip B. Alonzo ◽  
Rebecca L. Mustille ◽  
Monica J. Rivera

Background Long-term weakness and disability are common after an intensive care unit (ICU) stay. Usual care in the ICU prevents most patients from receiving preventative early mobilization. Objective The study objective was to describe a quality improvement project established by a physical therapist at the University of California San Francisco Medical Center from 2009 to 2011. The goal of the program was to reduce patients' ICU length of stay by increasing the number of patients in the ICU receiving physical therapy and decreasing the time from ICU admission to physical therapy initiation. Design This study was a 9-month retrospective analysis of a quality improvement project. Methods An interprofessional ICU Early Mobilization Group established and promoted guidelines for mobilizing patients in the ICU. A physical therapist was dedicated to a 16-bed medical-surgical ICU to provide physical therapy to selected patients within 48 hours of ICU admission. Patients receiving early physical therapy intervention in the ICU in 2010 were compared with patients receiving physical therapy under usual care practice in the same ICU in 2009. Results From 2009 to 2010, the number of patients receiving physical therapy in the ICU increased from 179 to 294. The median times (interquartile ranges) from ICU admission to physical therapy evaluation were 3 days (9 days) in 2009 and 1 day (2 days) in 2010. The ICU length of stay decreased by 2 days, on average, and the percentage of ambulatory patients discharged to home increased from 55% to 77%. Limitations This study relied upon the retrospective analysis of data from 6 collectors, and the intervention lacked physical therapy coverage for 7 days per week. Conclusions The improvements in outcomes demonstrated the value and feasibility of a physical therapist–led early mobilization program.


2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (03) ◽  
pp. 289-296 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jamie Van Gompel ◽  
R. Wiet ◽  
Nicole Tombers ◽  
Anand Devaiah ◽  
Devyani Lal ◽  
...  

Background Very few studies have examined vestibular schwannoma (VS) management trends across centers and between providers. The objective of this study is to examine current practice trends, variance in treatment philosophies, and nuanced or controversial aspects of VS care across North America. Methods This is a cross-sectional survey of North American Skull Base Society (NASBS) members who report regular involvement in VS care. Results A total of 57 completed surveys were returned. Most respondents claimed to have over 20 years of experience and the majority reported working in an academic practice with an affiliated otolaryngology and/or neurosurgery residency program. Sixty-three percent of respondents claimed to evaluate VS patients in clinic with both an otolaryngologist and neurosurgeon involved. Eighty-six percent of respondents claimed to operate on VS with both an otolaryngologist and neurosurgeon involved, while only 18% of neurosurgeons and 9% of otolaryngologists performed surgery alone. There was a wide range in the number of cases evaluated at each center annually. Similarly, there was wide variation in the number of patients treated with microsurgery and radiation at each center. Additional details regarding management preferences for microsurgery, stereotactic radiosurgery, stereotactic radiotherapy, and conservative observation are presented. Conclusion VS management practices vary between providers and centers. Overall, most centers employ a multidisciplinary approach to management with collaboration between otolaryngology and neurosurgery. Overall, survey responses concur with previous studies suggesting a shift toward conservatism in management.


2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. i12-i42
Author(s):  
C M Orton ◽  
N E Sinson ◽  
R Blythe ◽  
J Hogan ◽  
N A Vethanayagam ◽  
...  

Abstract Introduction NICE and the National Osteoporosis Guidance Group (NOGG) advise on evaluation of fracture risk and osteoporosis treatment1,2, with evidence suggesting that screening and treatment reduces the risk of fragility fractures 3,4,5. However, it is often overlooked in the management of older patients within secondary care. Audit data from Sheffield Frailty Unit (SFU) in 2018 showed that national guidance was not routinely followed. Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX®) scores were not calculated and bone health was poorly managed. Therefore, we undertook a quality improvement project aiming to optimise bone health in patients presenting to SFU. Method & Intervention In January 2019 we collaborated with Sheffield Metabolic Bone Centre (MBC) to develop a pathway aiming to improve bone health assessment and management in patients presenting to SFU with a fall or fragility fracture. This included a user-friendly flow chart with accompanying guidelines, alongside education for staff. Performance was re-evaluated in May 2019, following which a tick box prompt was added to post take ward round documentation. A re-audit was performed in March 2020. Results In March 2018 0% of patients presenting with a fall had a FRAX® score calculated and only 40% of those with a new fragility fracture were managed according to guidelines. In May 2019, this had improved to 18% and 100% respectively. In March 2020 86% of patients had a FRAX® score calculated appropriately and 100% of fragility fractures were managed according to guidelines. In both re-audits 100% of FRAX® scores were acted on appropriately. Conclusions There has been a significant increase in the number of patients who have their bone health appropriately assessed and managed after presenting to SFU. However, achieving optimum care is under constant review with the aim to deliver more treatment on SFU, thereby reducing the need for repeat visits to the MBC.


2020 ◽  
Vol 30 (Supplement_5) ◽  
Author(s):  
A P Amaral ◽  
L T Câmara ◽  
L S Nunes ◽  
A A Gomes

Abstract Background Night work has negative effects on sleep, sleepiness and fatigue with repercussions in performance, safety and health. Therefore, implementing sleep hygiene educational intervention seems of tremendous importance to industries. The questions underlying this study were: 1) To what extent do shift workers experience risk levels of fatigue and sleepiness?; 2) May a sleep hygiene program be associated with improvements on fatigue and sleepiness? Methods The study was conducted in industry and employed a pre pos-test design using the Epworth's Sleepiness Scale and Chalder's Fatigue Scale. From 471 night workers assessed 45 participants at risk for fatigue and sleepiness (93.3% males), mean age of 31 years (SD = 7.3), were selected for the intervention, composed of four sessions along five months, delivered by the occupational medical doctor. The first three sessions, in small groups, focused in sleep literacy and sleep hygiene; the last one, individual, focused in clinical issues (personalized intervention plan). Results Results suggested that 9.6% (N = 45) of the night workers were at high risk (higher levels of fatigue and sleepiness). After intervention, paired T tests revealed significant decreases (p<.001) on mean values for fatigue from T0 (M = 6.67; SD = 2.23) to T1 (M = 4.78; SD = 3.02), and for sleepiness from T0 (M = 15.49; SD = 4.39) to T1 (M = 11.8; SD = 5.95). Along the intervention, participants pointed out family-related routines as an obstacle to daytime sleeping period. Conclusions Results support the importance of this educational program focused on sleep hygiene, in reducing sleepiness and fatigue. The program is now part of the occupational health procedures of the company but qualitative results also suggest the importance of including the family in the program, as an innovative procedure. In summary, education of night workers and their families is needed regarding sleep habits in order to promote safety and health in workplace. Key messages The sleep hygiene program implemented in permanent night workers allowed to reduce fatigue and sleepiness. Fatigue and sleepiness management improvements might contribute to reduce the risk of accidents in the workplace and increase the workers’ health condition.


Author(s):  
Xenia N Tonge ◽  
Henry Crouch-Smith ◽  
Vijay Bhalaik ◽  
William D Harrison

Aims/Background The Montgomery v Lanarkshire Health Board (2015) case set a precedent that has driven the modernisation of consenting practice. Failure to demonstrate informed consent is a common source of litigation. This quality improvement project aimed to provide pragmatic guidance for surgeons on consent and to improve the patient experience during decision making. Methods Elective orthopaedic patients were assessed and the quality of documented consent was recorded. Data were collected over two discrete cycles, with cycle 1 used as a baseline in practice. The following criteria were reviewed: grade of consenting clinician, alternative treatment options, description of specific risks, place and timing of consent and whether the patient received written information or a copied clinic letter. Cycle 1 results were presented to clinicians; a teaching session was provided for clinicians on the standard of consent expected and implementation of a change in practice was established with a re-audit in cycle 2. Results There were 111 patients included in cycle 1, and 96 patients in cycle 2. Consent was undertaken mostly by consultants (54%). Specific patient risks were documented in 50% of patients in cycle 1 and 60% in cycle 2. Risks associated with a specific procedure were documented in 42% in cycle 1 and 76% in cycle 2, alternative options in 48% (cycle 1) and 66% (cycle 2). A total of 14% of patients in cycle 1 and 8% in cycle 2 had documented written information provision. Copied letters to patients was only seen in 12% of all cycles. Documentation from dedicated consenting clinics outperformed standard clinics. Conclusions Highlighting poor documentation habits and refining departmental education can lead to improvements in practice. The use of consenting clinics should be considered and clinicians should individually reflect on how to address their own shortcomings. Other units should strongly consider a similar audit. This article provides stepwise advice to improve consent and specifics from which to audit.


2021 ◽  
pp. 084456212110477
Author(s):  
Jodi Wilding ◽  
Hailey Scott ◽  
Victoria Suwalska ◽  
Zarina Geddes ◽  
Carolina Lavin Venegas ◽  
...  

To assess and improve pain management practices for hospitalized children in an urban tertiary pediatric teaching hospital. Methods Health Quality Ontario Quality Improvement (QI) framework informed this study. A pre (T1) – post (T2) intervention assessment included chart reviews and children/caregiver surveys to ascertain pain management practices. Information on self-reported pain intensity, painful procedures, pain treatment and satisfaction were obtained from children/caregivers. Documented pain assessment, pain scores, and pharmacological/non-pharmacological pain treatments were collected by chart review. T1 data was fed back to pediatric units to inform their decisions and pain management targets. Results At T1, 51 (58% of eligible participants) children/caregivers participated. At T2, 86 (97%) chart reviews and 51 (54%) children/caregivers surveys were completed. Most children/caregivers at T1 (78%) and T2 (80%) reported moderate to severe pain during their hospitalization. A mean of 2.6 painful procedures were documented in the previous 24 h, with the most common being needle-related procedures at both T1 and T2. Pain management strategies were infrequently used during needle-related procedures at both time points. Conclusion No improvements in pain management as measured by the T1 and T2 data occurred. Findings informed further pain management initiatives in the participating hospital.


Author(s):  
V. Mark Durand

Chapter 4 focuses on improving sleep hygiene, and discusses the importance of good sleep habits, age-related sleep needs, sleep hygiene problems and changes, and prioritizing sleep hygiene issues.


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