Key result
Pharmacist-driven QTc protocol linked to ~26% higher appropriate ECG use in one psychiatric center.
Why the study?
Many medications prescribed in psychiatric hospitals can cause QTc prolongation, but there is little guidance on when ECG and QTc monitoring should be performed.
Does a standardized QTc-interval monitoring protocol by pharmacists improve the appropriateness of ECG monitoring in at-risk psychiatric inpatients?
Population
At-risk psychiatric inpatients at Barnabas Health Behavioral Health Center and Monmouth Medical Center
Comparison
Standardized QTc-prolongation monitoring protocol by pharmacists vs no protocol
Design
Retrospective control group compared with prospective intervention group
Follow-up
Control: Jan 1, 2016 to Jul 17, 2017; Intervention: Dec 11, 2017 to Mar 11, 2018
Authors
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May guide ECG monitoring protocols for QT-prolonging drugs in psychiatric inpatients; leaves open outcome impact and needs prospective validation.
Observational
Yes
Does a standardized QTc-interval monitoring protocol by pharmacists improve the appropriateness of ECG monitoring in at-risk psychiatric inpatients?
p-value: p=0.0172
Implementation of a standardized pharmacist-led QTc monitoring protocol can improve the appropriateness of ECG utilization in acute care psychiatric inpatients.
Daniel et al. (2019) conducted an observational in At-risk psychiatric inpatients. Standardized QTc-interval monitoring protocol vs. No protocol (retrospective control) was evaluated on Improvement of the appropriateness of ECGs and QTc-interval monitoring (p=0.0172). Implementation of a standardized pharmacist-driven QTc-interval monitoring protocol increased appropriate ECG utilization by 25.5% (P=0.0172) at one psychiatric facility, but not at another.
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