Audit of the Metabolic Side-Effects on Autistic Inpatients on a Rehabilitation Ward

AIMS: To evaluate current compliance in monitoring metabolic side effects for the patients with the diagnosis of autism, following the recommendations of NICE guidelines. Establish evidence based practices to reduce morbidity and increase quality of life. To identify areas of improvement. METHODS: Springs centre is a male locked secure rehabilitation ward, specialised in treating people with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Learning Disabilities (LD) and co-morbid mental health conditions. It is a 17-bedded ward for male adults between 18 and 65 years old. Service users are transferred from hospitals or community placements located at the South East of England. We collected data from service users admitted to the Springs Centre between 1st of January and 31st of July 2022. The selection Criteria included in patients with a diagnosis of ASD, taking antipsychotic medication, with records of clinical interventions and investigations. We conducted a search to electronic and paper files. Electronic records were available at MYPATH system as well as ward files with physical observations and health Action plans. Data were collected on spreadsheets and later analysed. RESULTS: A total of 17 patients were identified, we excluded 2 service users that were not taking antipsychotic medication, and 1 of these did not have a diagnosis of ASD. We collected data from 15 participants. All patients have Blood pressure, Body Mass Index and measure of HbA1C (100%), 86.6% had records of lipid profile, but only 60% have a waist circumference. We analysed individually the risks factors for metabolic syndrome on the 15 selected patients; 79 % of the patients had excess central adiposity (large WC). 20% among males were diabetic type 2 and smokers. About 40 percent (40%) of sampled individuals were obese. CONCLUSION: The findings of our study supports the notion that screening for metabolic side-effects needs to be prioritised for individuals. Clinicians need to be aware of the risk of metabolic syndrome. Periodical screening is required across all health services treating people with ASD, especially those taking regular medication. General measures of control such as losing weight, exercising regularly. Eating a healthy, balanced diet to keep blood pressure, cholesterol and blood sugar levels under control. Also, stopping smoking.