Antipsychotic medication in learning disability: Impact of audit and evidence-based medicine on quality of prescribing in a community assessment treatment unit

Abstract

Aims and method Antipsychotic medication, an effective treatment modality in the management of psychiatric/behaviour disorders in people with learning disability, is often criticised because of poor clinical practice. Rational and judicious use, subject to evidence-based guidelines and systematic monitoring, is mandatory. A five-year clinical audit programme on the quality of prescribing for this clientele was undertaken. Results Significant quality improvement with minimal resource consumption was demonstrated. Clinical implications Clinical audit facilitates high-quality prescribing: pragmatic and economic, it can easily be integrated into routine clinical practice.