An audit of ECG and blood test monitoring on new admissions to female adult psychiatry ward in a psychiatry hospital, North Yorkshire

Abstract

Background: Numerous health reports have highlighted the poor physical health of individuals with mental health problems. To improve this situation, it is paramount that mental inpatients have their baseline ECG and blood tests done immediately, following admission to the psychiatric hospital, to inform their ongoing management.
Aims: This audit aimed to identify the percentage of newly admitted patients to Esk Ward (Adult psychiatry female ward) at Cross Lane
Hospital, Scarborough with ECG and routine blood tests completed and the time frame within which the interventions were undertaken. It also sought to establish if the results of the interventions were documented in the patients’ electronic care records and that any reasons for refusal were elicited.
Method: The clinical records of 20 consecutive patients admitted to the Unit between 08/07/2023 and 09/10/2023 were reviewed. An audit tool was designed and the patients’ clinical records were scrutinised concurrently during the admission to the Ward, to determine whether the interventions were completed and the timescales within which they were undertaken. It was also monitored if the ECG and blood results were interpreted appropriately and if any necessary follow-up actions were taken.
Results: The audit showed that 90% of patients admitted to Esk Ward within the period under review underwent routine blood tests within 24 h of hospital admission. However, only 60% of patients underwent ECG within similar timescales although all patients subsequently underwent this intervention during the period of hospital admission. Reasons for initial refusal of the interventions were documented in the patients’ records and the results of the investigations were reviewed in a clinically appropriate fashion.
Conclusion: Results of these investigations should be regularly reviewed and appropriate follow-up care relating to these findings falls predominantly on Consultant Psychiatrists and Junior Doctors on the inpatient team.