Australian mental health nurses’ perspectives about the identification and management of antipsychotic medication side effects: a cross-sectional survey

Abstract

Background: Currently, little is known about mental health nurses’ management of antipsychotic medication side effects.

Aims: This study examined how Australian mental health nurses’ attitudes and service processes influence the assessment of antipsychotic medication side effects.

Methods: Participants were included if they were registered nurses in Australian mental health settings. An online questionnaire was distributed via email. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine associations between attitudes and awareness, and use of antipsychotic medication assessment tools.

Results: Only one quarter of the respondents were currently using a tool. In cases where the service had a clear system for agreeing responsibility about monitoring consumers between primary and secondary care, respondents were three times more likely to still be using one or more tool. When the service had reliable systems in place to remind staff that side effect assessments were due, respondents were five times more likely to continue using assessment tools.

Conclusion: Australian mental nurses are not routinely using antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools. The routine use of assessment tools would improve if systems were implemented to enhance their use.

• Antipsychotic medication
• assessment tool
• mental health
• nursing
• survey

Acknowledgements

The authors’ gratefully acknowledge the support of the Australian College of Mental Health Nurses Inc. in promoting this study, and financial support provided by the Western Australian Nurses Memorial Charitable Trust.

Declaration of interest

A declaration of interest statement reporting no conflict has been inserted. Please confirm the statement is accurate.