Medication safety in mental health

Medication safety in mental health: Literature review

To extend evidence of medication safety in mental health settings, the Commission appointed the University of South Australia to undertake a scoping study on Medication safety in mental health.  The study focused on medication safety issues in mental health in hospital and community settings, and was informed by a national and international literature review and consultations with key stakeholders in Australia.

The study found that existing medication safety practices and strategies may not be in widespread use across mental health services in Australia.  The report recommended that strategies proven to be successful in improving medication safety in general health, be adapted and implemented in mental health settings.  The report also identified areas where further work is indicated to improve medication safety in mental health settings.

National Adult Clozapine Titration Chart

In response to the NIMC and Acute Psychiatric Services Survey Report the Commission has made available a National Adult Clozapine Titration Chart, with support materials for use by psychiatric acute services.

The chart is based on the clozapine titration chart developed by Queensland Health and implemented across public hospitals in that state. The national chart has been modified to make it amenable to national use.

Note: The national chart has not been piloted or otherwise tested by the Commission. However the Commission makes the chart available because of identified need and at the request of health services and jurisdictions.

National Indicators for Quality Use of Medicines in Australian Hospitals

The Commission also engaged the NSW Therapeutic Advisory Group to revise the Indicators for Quality Use of Medicines in Australian Hospitals 2007. The revised indicators include five new indicators for acute mental health services:

• National Indicators for Quality Use of Medicines in Australian Hospitals 2014