Australian mental health nurses’ perspectives about the identification and management of antipsychotic medication side effects: a cross-sectional survey

BACKGROUND: Currently, little is known about mental health nurses' management of antipsychotic medication side effects. AIMS: This study examined how Australian mental health nurses' attitudes and service processes influence the assessment of antipsychotic medication side effects. METHODS: Participants were included if they were registered nurses in Australian mental health settings. An online questionnaire was distributed via email. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine associations between attitudes and awareness, and use of antipsychotic medication assessment tools. RESULTS: Only one quarter of the respondents were currently using a tool. In cases where the service had a clear system for agreeing responsibility about monitoring consumers between primary and secondary care, respondents were three times more likely to still be using one or more tool. When the service had reliable systems in place to remind staff that side effect assessments were due, respondents were five times more likely to continue using assessment tools. CONCLUSION: Australian mental nurses are not routinely using antipsychotic medication side effect assessment tools. The routine use of assessment tools would improve if systems were implemented to enhance their use.