Allied mental health services play important role in patients’ care in Learning Disabilities as they are more in contact with the patients. Their knowledge about common side effects of medication and relevance of routine blood investigations help Clinicians to provide appropriate care and support.

To ascertain the knowledge of Allied mental health services about common side effects of medication and relevance of routine blood investigations.

Survey questionnaire was distributed to staff between November 09 and January 10.

The questions included about the common side effects of Lithium, Insulin, High dose Antidepressants, High dose Antipsychotics and Anticoagulant Medication. Relevance of Routine Blood Tests and Blood Pressure Monitoring were also asked. Number of questionnaire distributed - 60. Number of Respondents -30. Responses were collected anonymously.

Respondent Classification -Registered Nurses- 4, Nursing Assistants- 12, Care Assistants- 10, Associate Practioner- 1, Deputy Charge Nurses- 2, Occupational Therapist -1.

Of the Registered Nurses, Associate Practioners, Deputy Charge Nurses the results were 100%. With the Nursing Assistant- 25% (3), Care Assistant- 10% (1) and OT was aware of Routine blood tests and BP.

The Nursing Assistants and Care Assistants were aware of one side effect for Lithium, Clozapine, Anticoagulants and Insulin. They were not aware of side effects of High dose Antidepressants & High dose Antipsychotics. The awareness of relevance of Routine Blood Tests and Blood Pressure Monitoring was 80% and 90% respectively.

• • Arrange educational meetings to the Support workers

• • Conduct the survey in a year's time