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Clark SR, Wilton L, Baune BT, Procter N, Hustig H. A state-wide quality improvement system utilising nurse-led clinics for clozapine management. Australas Psychiatry 2014; 22:254-259. [PMID: 24811715 DOI: 10.1177/1039856214533395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES This paper describes the implementation of a state-wide clozapine management system to improve the quality of care for those with treatment-resistant schizophrenia. This intervention includes standardised forms, computer-based monitoring and alerting and nurse-led clinics for stable consumers. METHODS Methods used during system development included medical record and clinical information system audit, consensus review of available evidence and qualitative review of existing forms, systems and stakeholder opinion. RESULTS Nurse-led monitoring safely reduced medical outpatient appointments by 119 per week in metropolitan public clinics. In the 15 months following the implementation of all interventions, mortality associated with physical illness not related to malignancy was reduced from an average of 5 deaths per year to one. CONCLUSIONS Differing interpretations of clozapine guidelines have contributed to confusion around monitoring. Standardised documentation has helped to increase understanding and improve protocol adherence. A regular training programme has increased basic knowledge of risks and protocols. Computer-based documentation and alerting systems have improved communication between hospital and community-based teams and prompted early intervention reducing the risk of adverse events. These factors have combined to help improve outcomes in clozapine management. Nurse-led clinics are a safe and efficient alternative for monitoring clozapine treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott R Clark
- Clinical Academic, Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA and; The Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Woodville South, SA, Australia
| | - Lisa Wilton
- Advanced Clinical Practice Consultant MH GP Shared Care, SA Health Mental Health Services, Metro Local Health Networks, Tranmere, SA, Australia
| | - Bernhard T Baune
- Professor and Head of Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Nicholas Procter
- Chair, Mental Health Nursing, University of South Australia, Australia
| | - Harry Hustig
- Senior Clinical Lecturer, Discipline of Psychiatry, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Filia S, Lee S, Sinclair K, Wheelhouse A, Wilkins S, de Castella A, Kulkarni J. Demonstrating the effectiveness of less restrictive care pathways for the management of patients treated with clozapine. Australas Psychiatry 2013; 21:449-55. [PMID: 23897737 DOI: 10.1177/1039856213498427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of two alternative care pathways for managing patients treated with clozapine. METHOD Medical records for 90 clozapine patients managed via three care pathways were audited for a 24 month period (30 per group). The three care pathways established to manage patients prescribed clozapine include: (1) remaining in public mental health service case management; (2) transitioning to general practitioner-mental health service shared care; or (3) transitioning to private psychiatry sole care. Demographic, illness, medication compliance, service utilisation and performance on clinical outcome measures were collected in the 12 months prior to and following transition. RESULTS Across both the private psychiatry and general practitioner (GP) shared care transitioned groups, only one patient had a psychiatric hospital admission in the 12 months following transition, and transitioned patients also had fewer mental health service clinician contacts. Good medication compliance, better skills of daily living, lower levels of illicit substance abuse and a lower intensity of case management history were seen in transitioned patients. CONCLUSIONS Transitioning appropriate patients taking clozapine to less intensive care pathways like private psychiatrists and GP shared care can be effectively achieved if appropriate supports are in place for both the clinicians and their patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sacha Filia
- Research Fellow, Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre (MAPrc), Central Clinical School, Monash University and The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
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Lee SJ, Crowther E, Keating C, Kulkarni J. What is needed to deliver collaborative care to address comorbidity more effectively for adults with a severe mental illness? Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2013; 47:333-46. [PMID: 23076548 DOI: 10.1177/0004867412463975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Innovative models of care for people with a severe mental illness have been developed across Australia to more effectively address comorbidity and disability by enhancing the collaboration between clinical and non-clinical services. In particular, this review paper focuses on collaboration that has occurred to address comorbidities affecting the following domains: homelessness; substance addiction; physical ill-health; unemployment; and forensic issues. METHOD The identification of relevant collaborative care models was facilitated by carrying out a review of the published peer-reviewed literature and policy or other published reports available on the Internet. Contact was also made with representatives of the mental health branches of each Australian state and territory health department to assist in identifying examples of innovative collaborative care models established within their jurisdiction. RESULTS A number of nationally implemented and local examples of collaborative care models were identified that have successfully delivered enhanced integration of care between clinical and non-clinical services. Several key principles for effective collaboration were also identified. Governmental and organisational promotion of and incentives for cross-sector collaboration is needed along with education for staff about comorbidity and the capacity of cross-sector agencies to work in collaboration to support shared clients. Enhanced communication has been achieved through mechanisms such as the co-location of staff from different agencies to enhance sharing of expertise and interagency continuity of care, shared treatment plans and client records, and shared case review meetings. Promoting a 'housing first approach' with cross-sector services collaborating to stabilise housing as the basis for sustained clinical engagement has also been successful. CONCLUSIONS Cross-sector collaboration is achievable and can result in significant benefits for mental health consumers and staff of collaborating services. Expanding the availability of collaborative care across Australia is therefore a priority for achieving a more holistic, socially inclusive, and effective mental health care system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stuart J Lee
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University and The Alfred, Melbourne, Australia.
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Filia SL, Wheelhouse A, Lee SJ, Main M, de Castella A, Wilkins S, Kulkarni J. Transitioning patients taking clozapine from the public to private/GP shared-care setting: barriers and criteria. Aust N Z J Psychiatry 2012; 46:225-31. [PMID: 22391279 DOI: 10.1177/0004867411433210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore the barriers to transitioning patients taking clozapine from the public to private psychiatrist or general practitioner (GP) shared-care setting, as well as the criteria used by staff to identify patients suitable for transitioning. METHOD The experience of clinicians managing people taking clozapine was explored through circulation of a feedback questionnaire. The clozapine transition questionnaire (CTQ) was developed as the primary measure following extensive consultation with clinical staff with expertise in clozapine treatment. A total of 215 clinicians were sent questionnaires (60 community mental health service staff, 120 private psychiatrists registered to prescribe clozapine, and 35 GPs from the Bayside Health clozapine GP shared-care programme), with overall 80 (46.2%) returned. RESULTS Over 64% of participants had managed patients who had been transitioned from public to private psychiatrist or GP shared-care settings. Around half of these said that it was a 'worthwhile treatment option' and that 'it went smoothly' and 'the patient was satisfied'. The most significant barriers to successful transitioning were the cost of private service, the patient's level of disorganization, and the need for ongoing care coordination. The most important criteria for transitioning patients was compliance with medication, ability to independently attend appointments and access appropriate pharmacies to receive medication, and willingness to transition out of the public system. CONCLUSIONS Transitioning suitable public psychiatric patients taking clozapine into private psychiatrist/GP shared-care offers an important model to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of care, but requires careful planning, preparation, and monitoring to ensure sustained success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sacha L Filia
- Monash Alfred Psychiatry Research Centre, Monash University, The Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.
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Altered cell cycle dynamics in schizophrenia. Biol Psychiatry 2012; 71:129-35. [PMID: 22074612 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopsych.2011.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2011] [Revised: 09/06/2011] [Accepted: 10/02/2011] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The olfactory mucosa, the organ of smell in the nose, is a neural tissue that regenerates new sensory neurons throughout adult life. Based on this tissue, we previously demonstrated increased mitosis in olfactory biopsy cultures from schizophrenia patients compared with healthy control subjects. In addition, neural stem/progenitor cell cultures (neurosphere-derived cells) from nasal biopsies from individuals with schizophrenia show significantly altered gene and protein expression in key cell cycle control pathways. METHODS The aim of this study was to investigate cell cycle dynamics in olfactory neurosphere-derived cells from nine male schizophrenia patients and nine male healthy control subjects. Cell cycles were arrested by serum deprivation after which cell population doubling time, proliferation fraction, and cell cycle period were calculated from cell counts over 96 hours. Cell cycle phase was investigated using flow cytometry. Cell lysates were analyzed for expression of cyclin proteins. RESULTS Cell population proliferation rate was increased in schizophrenia through a larger pool of proliferating progenitors and a reduced cell cycle period. All phases of the cell cycle were phase-shifted by 2 hours in the schizophrenia-derived cells, which expressed higher levels of the cyclins D1, E, and A2. CONCLUSIONS Our observations indicate that schizophrenia is associated with subtle alterations in cell cycle dynamics, shortening of the cell cycle period, and increased expression of G1/S phase cyclins. We speculate that this underlying diathesis could alter the temporal and spatial cascade of brain development and contribute to an altered neurodevelopmental trajectory in schizophrenia.
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DE HERT MARC, COHEN DAN, BOBES JULIO, CETKOVICH-BAKMAS MARCELO, LEUCHT STEFAN, M. NDETEI DAVID, W. NEWCOMER JOHN, UWAKWE RICHARD, ASAI ITSUO, MÖLLER HANSJURGEN, GAUTAM SHIV, DETRAUX JOHAN, U. CORRELL CHRISTOPH. Physical illness in patients with severe mental disorders. II. Barriers to care, monitoring and treatment guidelines, plus recommendations at the system and individual level. World Psychiatry 2011; 10:138-51. [PMID: 21633691 PMCID: PMC3104888 DOI: 10.1002/j.2051-5545.2011.tb00036.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 545] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Physical disorders are, compared to the general population, more prevalent in people with severe mental illness (SMI). Although this excess morbidity and mortality is largely due to modifiable lifestyle risk factors, the screening and assessment of physical health aspects remains poor, even in developed countries. Moreover, specific patient, provider, treatment and system factors act as barriers to the recognition and to the management of physical diseases in people with SMI. Psychiatrists can play a pivotal role in the improvement of the physical health of these patients by expanding their task from clinical psychiatric care to the monitoring and treatment of crucial physical parameters. At a system level, actions are not easy to realize, especially for developing countries. However, at an individual level, even simple and very basic monitoring and treatment actions, undertaken by the treating clinician, can already improve the problem of suboptimal medical care in this population. Adhering to monitoring and treatment guidelines will result in a substantial enhancement of physical health outcomes. Furthermore, psychiatrists can help educate and motivate people with SMI to address their suboptimal lifestyle, including smoking, unhealthy diet and lack of exercise. The adoption of the recommendations presented in this paper across health care systems throughout the world will contribute to a significant improvement in the medical and related psychiatric health outcomes of patients with SMI.
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Affiliation(s)
- MARC DE HERT
- University Psychiatric Center, Catholic University
Leuven, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070 Kortenberg, Belgium
| | - DAN COHEN
- Department for Severe Mental Illness, Mental
Health Organization North-Holland North, Heerhugowaard; Department of Epidemiology,
University of Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - JULIO BOBES
- CIBERSAM; Department of Medicine - Psychiatry,
University of Oviedo, Spain
| | - MARCELO CETKOVICH-BAKMAS
- Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Cognitive
Neurology, and Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Neurosciences, Favaloro
University Hospital, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - STEFAN LEUCHT
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy,
Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - DAVID M. NDETEI
- University of Nairobi and Africa Mental Health
Foundation, Nairobi, Kenya
| | - JOHN W. NEWCOMER
- Department of Psychiatry, Washington University
School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - RICHARD UWAKWE
- Faculty of Medicine, Nnamdi Azikiwe University,
Nnewi Campus, Nigeria
| | - ITSUO ASAI
- Japanese Society of Transcultural Psychiatry
| | | | - SHIV GAUTAM
- Psychiatric Centre, Medical College, Jaipur,
India
| | - JOHAN DETRAUX
- University Psychiatric Center, Catholic University
Leuven, Leuvensesteenweg 517, 3070 Kortenberg, Belgium
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Ng F, Mammen OK, Wilting I, Sachs GS, Ferrier IN, Cassidy F, Beaulieu S, Yatham LN, Berk M. The International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) consensus guidelines for the safety monitoring of bipolar disorder treatments. Bipolar Disord 2009; 11:559-95. [PMID: 19689501 DOI: 10.1111/j.1399-5618.2009.00737.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Safety monitoring is an important aspect of bipolar disorder treatment, as mood-stabilising medications have potentially serious side effects, some of which may also aggravate existing medical comorbidities. This paper sets out the International Society for Bipolar Disorders (ISBD) guidelines for the safety monitoring of widely used agents in the treatment of bipolar disorder. These guidelines aim to provide recommendations that take into consideration the balance between safety and cost-effectiveness, to highlight iatrogenic and preventive clinical issues, and to facilitate the broad implementation of therapeutic safety monitoring as a standard component of treatment for bipolar disorder. METHODS These guidelines were developed by an ISBD workgroup, headed by the senior author (MB), through an iterative process of serial consensus-based revisions. After this, feedback from a multidisciplinary group of health professionals on the applicability of these guidelines was sought to develop the final recommendations. RESULTS General safety monitoring recommendations for all bipolar disorder patients receiving treatment and specific monitoring recommendations for individual agents are outlined. CONCLUSIONS These guidelines are derived from evolving and often indirect data, with minimal empirical cost-effectiveness data available to provide guidance. These guidelines will therefore need to be modified to adapt to different clinical settings and health resources. Clinical acumen and vigilance remain critical ingredients for safe treatment practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicity Ng
- Discipline of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, University of Adelaide, SA, Australia
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE A project designed to improve the quality of health care received by persons with psychosis is described. METHODS A nurse was appointed to provide liaison between the mental health service and general practitioners, and to facilitate general health care of patients. ACT Health offered service agreements to general practices, with quarterly per capita payments. RESULTS About half of the local general practices participated. The number of patients without a general practitioner was reduced and quality of health care improved compared with the previous year. Recurrent funding has been provided. CONCLUSIONS Improving the general health of persons with psychosis is an important issue for psychiatry. Having a similar project in all mental health services could be valuable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Drew
- Mental Health ACT, Department of Psychological Medicine, Australian National University, ACT, Australia.
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