Clozapine: How Well Are We Monitoring Patients?

AIMS: Aims and auditable outcomes: We aim to ensure 100% patients on clozapine have annual physical health checks. By ensuring all patients prescribed clozapine therapy receive an annual physical health check and medic review, we aim to improve patient safety and prevent serious harm from occurring in cases that could be avoided. METHODS: All patients aged over 18 years prescribed Clozapine, who were under the assessment and treatment service in Eastbourne, were identified using Carenotes, our electronic patient records system. RESULTS: 78% of patients on clozapine had been reviewed by a doctor in the past 12 months. 32% of patients had attended a physical health review within the past 12 months. One patient had not had a medical review for several years. CONCLUSION: Our audit has shown that there are no clear guidelines on the long term monitoring of clozapine in regards to physical health reviews and psychiatric assessment. Using best practice it appears annual review should be the minimal standard, however further evaluation of this is recommended at trust level. Create a database for all patients on Clozapine under the care of Eastbourne ATS. Create a spreadsheet looked after by one member of admin staff to be updated regularly. The physical health lead nurse to be informed of physical health checks due by admin;