Work

A qualitative exploration of the barriers to and facilitators of clozapine monitoring in a secure psychiatric setting

Year: 2020

Type: article

Abstract: AIMS AND METHOD: To explore the beliefs and understanding of staff and patients at a secure mental health unit regarding clozapine monitoring, and to identify barriers to and facilitators of monitoring. Qualitative semi-structured interviews and focus groups were conducted with 17 staff members and six patients. RESULTS: Six key themes were identified. The key facilitator of effective monitoring was the motivation of staff to help patients to become independent and facilitate recovery. An important barrier was a lack of clarity around the roles of different staff groups in monitoring. Staff and patients widely supported the establishment of an in-patient clozapine clinic and perceived that it would prepare patients for discharge. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: An in-patient clozapine clinic is a robust mechanism for clozapine monitoring in secure settings. The barriers and facilitators identified here could be applied to other secure units to guide their systems of clozapine monitoring.

Source: BJPsych Bulletin

DOI: 10.1192/bjb.2020.100

Authors: Sarah Blagden, Jane Beenstock, Natalie Auld, Steve Noblett, Mark Limmer

Institutions: Health Education North West, Lancashire Care NHS Foundation Trust, Lancaster University

Language: English

Topic: Schizophrenia research and treatment

Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

OpenAlex ID: W3088686552