Università degli studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia

Università degli Studi di Modena e Reggio Emilia
Corso di laurea in infermieristica - Sede di Modena

Abstract

This thesis is based on the elaboration of data from the daily clinical practice about the application of the recommendations in the literature regarding the management of patients with antipsychotic drugs and monitoring of related adverse effects. Especially the patients in treatment with atypical antipsychotics have an increased risk of developing cardio-metabolic comorbidities, which cause an increase in mortality. Therefore is crucial promoting an adequate control of clinical and anthropometric parameters in order to identify early the patients at risk of developing these health problems. The objective is to analyze, evaluate and improve clinical practice of psychiatric services through the implementation of the recommendations contained in the guidelines, in order to increase the quality and life expectancy of the patients. In a sample of 200 subjects, uters of the Mental Health Centers of Vignola and Pavullo, were measured several parameters, which are considered as risk factors for the development of the metabolic syndrome ( waist circumference, blood pressure, weight, height and body mass index ). The prospective monitoring of anthropometric parameters was associated with the harvesting of clinical and laboratory parameters retrospectively, if available. The analysis of the clinical practice suggested the need to promote closer monitoring of theese anthropometric and clinical parameters. Coordination between care settings and different professionals (psychiatrists , nurses and general practitioners) is the most critical element on which to focus and from which should start a project of quality improvement in order to provide a service of high quality and continuity.