As part of a wider quality improvement project (QIP) aiming to improve trainees’ experiences with ‘Raising Concerns’ in a large mental health trust, we sought to improve the trainee representative (rep) structure. This would give trainees more transparent processes and provide intermediaries by which to raise concerns. Based on change ideas generated from our driver diagram, roles were created to coordinate meetings and represent specific groups of trainees and on-call rotas.

Prior to August 2022, there were an undefined number of ‘Senior House Officer’ (SHO) reps who were recruited informally by the Post-Graduate Medical Education Team. The duties of these reps were not clearly detailed. As part of our first ‘Plan, Do, Study, Act’ (PDSA) cycle, we identified groups of trainees that needed additional representation (International Medical Graduates [IMGs], Less than Full Time trainees [LTFT]) and introduced a Wellbeing Rep to cover all training grades. Specifically for SHOs, we introduced three core roles (Rota/Placement, Inclusion, and Social) and individual roles for the six on-call rotas. Following the implementation of this rep structure, we gathered quantitative data, including whether trainees had utilised the reps and how effective they were in raising concerns, and qualitative feedback. We gathered data from both the reps and the whole cohort of trainees. We then started another PDSA cycle in August 2023.

On a 1–5 scale (5 = very effective), the average response from trainees for how effective the trust reps were in supporting raising concerns was 3.8 (5 responders), with no trainees who responded feeling that any of the rep roles needed restructuring. However, the rep survey highlighted that the following roles needed restructuring: Rota/Placement rep, Social rep, and Rota reps. The Rota/Placement role was highlighted as being unnecessary due to the existence of individual rota reps, but there was a need for a ‘lead’ rep to coordinate rep meetings and induction. Unfortunately, a Social rep was not recruited, however it was identified that due to the importance of the role more than one trainee may be required to arrange social events.

Overall, the trainee response to the new rep structure has been neutral/effective, but we hope to obtain more responses in the next PDSA cycle. The rep feedback highlighted the need for coordinator roles to improve cohesion. The results have informed change ideas which we implemented in August 2023. The second PDSA cycle will be completed in July 2024.

Raising a concern is an integral duty for a doctor. The General Medical Council guidelines on Good Medical Practice state that a culture should be promoted that allows “all staff to raise concerns openly and safely”. Appointment of Postgraduate Doctors in Training to Representative (Rep) positions can be an effective way to allow trainee voices to be heard. Here we present the results of a Development Half-Day created to empower Reps with the knowledge and confidence to represent peers effectively within a large mental health Trust. The training session was identified as a ”change idea” in a wider Quality Improvement Project (QIP) seeking to improve trainee confidence in raising concerns.

16 Postgraduate Doctors in Training Reps were invited to attend a Development Half-Day in November 2022. The day included talks on their roles and responsibilities, respectful challenge and maintaining well-being.

Quantitative and qualitative data were gathered using anonymous questionnaires completed before and after the session. The questionnaire contained 4 questions asking them to rate their knowledge of their role as a rep and confidence in raising trainee concerns. This was quantified using a 1-10 scale for each question with 1 being lowest confidence/knowledge and 10 being highest. Mean scores and standard deviations were calculated. A paired one-tailed t-test was used to assess the statistical significance of the difference in pre- and post-session scores.

9 Reps attended the Development Half-Day and completed the pre- and post-session questionnaires.

There was a statistically significant improvement between pre- and post-session scores for all questions (all p values <0.05). Importantly there was a significant increase in the confidence felt by reps in knowing where and who to raise trainee concerns to (p < 0.05).

Qualitative feedback indicated that attendees found the session useful and they appreciated that it was in-person. The only suggestion for improvement was for the session to have been held earlier, closer to when reps were initially appointed; this will be a change that will be implemented in the next “Plan, Do, Study, Act” cycle of the QIP.

Implementation of a Development Half-Day for Trainee Reps was shown to have a significantly positive impact on their confidence in their roles and their ability to respectively challenge seniors. The Reps additionally reported being better equipped at knowing where and who to raise concerns to. This will hopefully aid in their ability to signpost and empower other trainees to do the same.

As part of a wider Quality Improvement Project aiming to improve trainees’ experiences with ‘Raising Concerns’ in a large mental health trust, we sought to improve induction processes to make information on raising concerns more accessible when starting a new post. Based on change ideas generated from our driver diagram, peer-delivered information was identified as a useful tool, so a trainee-led session was introduced to the induction programme.

A 60-minute trainee-led session was integrated into the induction programme for Postgraduate Doctors in Training in August 2022. The session included sections on raising concerns, on-call advice and rota information. Following the induction, as part of our “Plan, Do, Study, Act” (PDSA) cycle, we sent a questionnaire to gather data from trainees, which covered quantitative measures, including overall helpfulness of the session and effectiveness of information on ‘raising concerns’, and qualitative feedback for how to improve the session. The session was replicated at both the December 2022 and February 2023 inductions, incorporating the feedback from each previous session.

On a 1-5 scale (5 = strongly agree), the average response for how helpful the trainee-led induction session was 4.5 from both the August and December 2022 inductions. 4 out of 6 responders from the August 2022 induction specifically mentioned the information on raising concerns as being particularly helpful. There was also feedback on improvements that could be introduced, such as increasing the amount of time for the session to allow for more questions. When asked to rate the helpfulness of the ‘raising concerns’ section, the average response was 4.83 and 4.50 for August and December 2022 inductions, respectively. Following the feedback from August 2022, we implemented changes to increase the duration to 90 minutes and include trainee reps in a separate ‘Question and Answer’ session. Unfortunately, there were only 2 responders to the December 2022 questionnaire due to a small intake, so we will evaluate data from February 2023 induction to analyse the effectiveness of changes made to the session and assess the need for further improvements.

Overall, the response to our trainee-led induction session has been positive, with good feedback both for the whole session and specifically relating to ‘raising concerns’. It has highlighted trainees’ appreciation for peer-delivered information and the need for more time in this session. The questionnaire from February 2023 induction will give more data on whether our improvements have been effective and provide ideas for future PDSA cycles.

Raising concerns is a duty for all doctors. However, a scoping exercise within a large mental health Trust demonstrated that trainees experience difficulties in raising both patient safety and training concerns. As part of a trainee-led quality improvement (QI) project within this Trust, our aim was to develop a pulse survey to capture the current likelihood of trainees raising concerns and factors influencing this.

An online survey was developed using ‘plan do study act’ (PDSA) methodology. The initial draft was informed by data from the Autumn 2021 scoping exercise. The survey was refined using a collaborative trainee-led approach. It was tested by trainees involved in the QI project followed by two other trainees and was revised accordingly.

Trainees across all training grades were invited to complete the survey through various communication channels. The pulse survey will be repeated monthly with a two-week response window.

Ten trainees out of 103 responded to the first pulse survey open from 18th to 31st January 2023 (response rate 9.7%). Seven respondents were core trainees and three were higher trainees.

Respondents were more likely to raise patient safety concerns than training concerns (average score of 3.8 out of 5, where 5 equals ‘very likely’, versus 3.4 out of 5 respectively). Of the three respondents who had experienced a patient safety concern in the past 2 weeks, only two had used any existing process to raise it. These data were replicated for training concerns.

No respondents were confident that effective action would be taken if they raised a training concern, while less than half of respondents were confident that effective action would be taken if it were a patient safety concern.

The reasons for the low response rate are likely varied. However, there may be some similar underlying reasons for low engagement in surveys and low engagement in raising concerns. Given this, a more negative picture of trainees’ likelihood of raising concerns may have been portrayed if more trainees engaged in the survey.

Engaging trainees to provide insight into their likelihood of raising concerns is challenging. Despite the low response rate, this initial pulse survey demonstrated that trainees continue to experience barriers to raising concerns. PDSA methodology will continue to be used to optimise the monthly pulse survey response rate. The key QI outcome measures will also be integrated into pre and post intervention surveys as a pragmatic approach to evaluate specific change ideas.

Many of the competencies that trainees in psychiatry are required to achieve can be linked to leadership in the broadest sense, yet specific training is not often systematically provided. The West Midlands Psychiatry Leadership Development Programme aims to support the acquisition of important leadership skills already set out in the curriculum through provision of high-quality specialist leadership content within the existing programme. Here we present the findings of a scoping exercise exploring the views and attitudes towards leadership training held by higher trainees in psychiatry within the West Midlands.

All psychiatry higher trainees within West Midlands Deanery were invited to complete an anonymous online survey using Survey Monkey in November 2021. This survey incorporated questions about their preferred learning styles, confidence in their leadership skills and barriers to accessing leadership opportunities, generating both quantitative and qualitative data.

Key results included:

• • 37 responses were received. All subspeciality training programmes were represented. Almost half of respondents (46%) were ST6 or above and most were in training full time (84%).

• • Trainees expressed a preference for experiential learning about leadership (87%) as well as small group teaching (62%) and interactive workshop style content (62%).

• • Awareness of leadership opportunities was typically via their peer group (81%) or clinical supervisor (60%). Only 52% of trainees were aware of leadership opportunities within the Deanery.

• • Only 54% felt that existing leadership training met their curriculum requirements. Less than half of trainees (46%) felt confident to evidence their leadership experience within their training portfolio.

• • One-fifth of trainees (21%) reported experiencing barriers to leadership development. These included: inadequate awareness of opportunities, lack of senior support, time constraints and difficulty matching interests with available opportunities.

Trainees expressed interest in the redevelopment of a regional leadership training programme which would support them to achieve their curriculum competencies and prepare them for life as a consultant psychiatrist. The new multi-faceted regional leadership programme will offer resources in a variety of formats including webinars, podcasts, optional interactive workshops and action learning sets. It is hoped that this flexible programme, linked to the Medical Leadership Competency Framework, will better meet the needs of higher trainees as they pursue their own personal leadership journeys.

Raising concerns is an important part of being a doctor and part of the GMC ‘Good Medical Practice’ guidelines, however as a trainee it often comes with specific challenges. Historically trainees are often left feeling that their concerns are not taken seriously and there is no resolution to problems raised. Here we present the findings of a scoping exercise undertaken as part of a Quality Improvement project exploring these issues within a large mental health Trust.

Trainees across all training grades from Foundation doctors to higher trainees were invited to engage in virtual focus groups specific to their training programme. Contributions were analysed anonymously using a thematic analysis approach by two independent coders. Quantitative data were also gathered using an online survey to capture trainees who had been unable to attend a focus group.

Key results included:

• • A total of 6 focus groups were attended by more than 35 trainees, with high turnout particularly within Foundation trainees and CT1 doctors.

• • Three key themes were identified from the qualitative data: difficulties with the process of raising concerns, fear of the consequences and challenging the culture of the organisation.

• • It was noted that senior trainees felt more comfortable with the process of raising concerns compared with junior colleagues but were more apathetic about the impact of doing so.

• • 12 trainees completed the online survey. Of these, 6 (50%) reported having had patient safety concerns and 7 (58%) had had concerns about their training.

• • The most common reported barriers to raising concerns were the impact on working relationships (67%), lack of support (50%) and fear of repercussions on their training (50%). 42% of respondents were unsure of how to raise concerns.

• • Trainee suggestions for change included improved information for trainees and trainers about the process for raising concerns, sharing of feedback about concerns raised more widely and regular opportunity to meet with key stakeholders.

The majority of trainees had experienced concerns about either patient safety or training issues. It will be necessary to address the multiple barriers highlighted to enable trainees to feel more confident and able to raise concerns. Increasing awareness of escalation processes, improving the processes themselves and fostering a supportive environment which encourages and supports trainees to raise concerns will be important given the implications for patient safety and trainee well-being.

To evaluate the effect of the use of aripiprazole and paliperidone long acting injections on healthcare resource use

Long acting injections of second-generation antipsychotics such as paliperidone and aripiprazole have become more commonly prescribed over the past decade. They have much higher acquisition costs when compared to first generation depot antipsychotics. It is therefore essential to demonstrate their tolerability and cost-effectiveness.

We undertook an observational, retrospective two-year mirror study for all patients who started treatment with paliperidone long acting injection between January and June 2016 (n = 47) or aripiprazole long acting injection between April 2014 and July 2017 (n = 93). Clinical notes were examined to determine the number of admissions, inpatient days, home treatment episodes and number of home treatment days, in the 12 months preceding and following the commencement of the long acting injection.

70% remained on paliperidone and 62% remained on aripiprazole at the end of the one-year period.

There was a significant reduction in occupied bed days in those treated with paliperidone from 78.2 days in the year before this treatment was started to 25.4 days in the year after (p = 0.002). There was a significant reduction in occupied bed days in those treated with aripiprazole from 66.51 days to 32.7 days (p = 0.0006).

There was no significant reduction in days spent under the care of home treatment teams for individuals treated with either of these medicines.

Treatment with either paliperidone or aripiprazole long-acting injection was associated with a reduction in admissions and occupied bed days of a magnitude that delivered an overall cost-saving despite the high drug acquisition costs. It remains to be determined how these reductions compare with other second-generation long-acting injections and first-generation depot antipsychotics.

To describe the changes in complexity and management of individuals with schizophrenia in a community mental health team (CMHT) over a three year period.

It is often believed that individuals receiving care from CMHTs are those with low levels of complexity and risk, and are relatively stable, with more complex individuals being managed by assertive outreach or other specialist teams. Here, we describe changes in the complexity, comorbidity, service-usage and management, of patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in a CMHT between 2016 and 2019.

Data were collected from an electronic patient record system (RiO) for all individuals with schizophrenia in a CMHT in Birmingham (n = 84 in 2016, n = 71 in 2019), examining demographic variables, comorbidity, use of mental health services and current management.

Key findings included: -

• • 63% were managed through care programme approach (CPA) in 2016, compared to only 31% in 2019.

• • 21% had required home treatment or inpatient care in the preceding 12 months in 2016; this had improved to 8.5% in 2019.

• • Significant levels of psychiatric comorbidity, including addictions with almost half of patients (46.5%) having a known history of substance use in 2019, compared to only 15.5% noted in 2016.

• • Pharmacological management has remained broadly similar; in 2016 21% patients were taking a combination of 2 antipsychotics compared to only 10% in 2019 and 25% were taking clozapine in 2016 (21% in 2019). 39% were prescribed a long acting antipsychotic injection in 2016, compared to 32% in 2019.

• • In 2016, medication was being prescribed in the majority of cases within secondary care (55%) patients and in primary care in only 21%. GPs have now taken on greater prescribing responsibility in 2019, prescribing in 44% of cases, with 47% being prescribed by the CMHT.

The acuity and management of individuals with a diagnosis of schizophrenia under the care of a CMHT has changed over a 3 year period. It is positive to note the reduced use of crisis services and lower rates of polypharmacy. There is a reduction in the proportion of patients receiving management through CPA, and a move towards more medication being prescribed in primary care. The reasons for this change are however unclear and may reflect change in available resources, given that more than half of this group receive clozapine or long acting injections, and have high levels of comorbidity.

To audit the investigation, identification and treatment of vitamin D deficiency within Women's Secure Services.

It has been suggested that vitamin D and vitamin D deficiency may play a role in the pathogenesis of psychiatric illness. There is evidence that vitamin D inadequacy is prevalent among patients in long-term hospital settings. Patients within secure hospitals are considered to be at high risk due to their often lengthy admissions, having been transferred from other hospital or prison settings. Ardenleigh in Birmingham is a blended female secure unit. Here we present the findings of an audit, completed in 2019, of vitamin D monitoring and treatment in this service.

A retrospective review of electronic patient records, for all inpatients admitted within women's secure services at Ardenleigh as of 1st September 2019 (n = 27). Standards were based on the Trust accepted guidelines for management of vitamin D deficiency.

Key findings included:-

The majority of inpatients were Caucasian (44%) and African-Caribbean (41%). Median age was 31 years (range 20–56).

Approximately two-thirds (60%) had been in hospital for over a year.

89% of patients had their vitamin D level checked at some point during admission.

Of those checked, 25% were tested within 1 week of admission. Seven patients were tested after being in hospital for over one year (30%).

Only 25% of patients tested were found to have adequate vitamin D levels. Nine patients were found to have insufficient levels of vitamin D (37.5%) or deficiency (37.5%).

89% of those identified as requiring treatment were prescribed supplementation, of which the majority was prescribed at the correct dose for the appropriate duration (94%). One patient refused treatment. Of those with sufficient levels, 67% were prescribed ongoing maintenance treatment due to previously detected deficiency.

Of those found to have sufficient vitamin D in the last 12 months (n = 14), 71% were continued on maintenance treatment.

We identified a high prevalence of vitamin D insufficiency in women admitted to secure services. Testing was delayed for a number of patients from the point of admission. However, once identified, the vast majority of those in need of treatment were managed appropriately by the medical team. We advise that vitamin D be considered an essential routine blood test at the point of admission to minimise delays in identifying those with deficiency and establishing necessary supplementation.

To investigate adherence to Trust guidelines for urine drug screening amongst female forensic psychiatric inpatients.

The use of illicit substances is an important risk factor which needs to be considered in the management and treatment of forensic psychiatric patients. Research has demonstrated that a high proportion of women admitted within secure services in the UK have a history of substance use. Substance misuse amongst this population can lead to an increased risk of violence, re-offending and mental health relapse; which can pose a significant threat to the safety of other patients, staff and the public. It is therefore important that regular drug screening is carried out to minimise such risks. Ardenleigh is a blended female secure unit in Birmingham. The service has established specific substance use guidelines, outlining the need for each patient to have a personalised drug screen care plan in place. Here we present the findings of an audit completed in 2019.

A six month retrospective electronic case note audit for female inpatients admitted to Ardenleigh as of 1st September 2019 (n = 27). We compared drug screen care plans and frequency of urine drug screens over 6 months with the recommendations of the current service-specific Trust guidelines. Care plans should include: information regarding random drug screening; frequency of random drug screening; triggers for increased risk of substance misuse; and consequences for a positive test result to be contained within inpatient care plans.

Patient aged between 20 and 56 years old (median age 31). Fewer than half of inpatients (41%) had a documented random drug screen completed within the review period. In terms of care-planning, only 52% of patients had random drug screening mentioned in their care plan. 22% of patient care plans reported the actions/consequences for a positive test result. Not a single care plan mentioned how frequently patients should be being tested or potential triggers for increased risk of drug misuse amongst inpatients.

Current practice and recording of drug screening amongst female forensic psychiatric patients is poor compared to expected standards. The lack of consistency in drug screening raises concerns regarding whether potential substance misuse amongst inpatients may be going undetected, and therefore impacting the recovery of patients. Improvements to drug screening practice should be considered in order to ensure optimal recovery and safety to patients and others.

Adherence with antipsychotic medication is an important factor in the prevention of relapse in psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. Long acting antipsychotic injections promote improved adherence. In recent years, second generation antipsychotic long-acting injections have become increasingly popular, and little has been written about the use of the older depot medications. Here, we explore the current use of one of the first-generation antipsychotic long acting injections in Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust.

An 18-month retrospective case-note review of all patients who started zuclopenthixol decanoate during the first 6 months of 2018 (n = 45)

Key findings included: -

• ⋅ 71% were male

• ⋅ The mean age was 37 (range 19-65)

• ⋅ The most common diagnoses were: schizophrenia (51%), bipolar affective disorder (18%) and schizoaffective disorder (13%). We noted that 2 individuals (4%) had a primary diagnosis of recurrent depressive disorder, 2 (4%) had a primary diagnosis of emotionally unstable personality disorder.

• ⋅ 60% of those who were prescribed zuclopenthixol decanoate discontinued it within the 18-month follow-up period.

• ⋅ The vast majority of discontinuation occurred within the first 6 months, and after this, few individuals stopped treatment.

• ⋅ The most common reason for discontinuation was side effects (57%), with other reasons including patient choice (7%), non-compliance (7%), pregnancy (4%), or needle phobia (4%).

Zuclopenthixol decanoate has been used for individuals with both schizophrenia and paranoid psychosis (where it is licenced) and also occasionally for other indications. A high proportion discontinued the zuclopenthixol within 6 months, this generally being attributed to adverse effects. Those who were still receiving this medication at 6 months were very likely to continue to take it throughout the 18 months. We would therefore recommend robust monitoring for and management of adverse effects in the early phases of treatment.

To evaluate the use of antipsychotics, and high dose antipsychotic treatment (HDAT) in psychiatric inpatient units

The Royal College of Psychiatrists published a consensus statement on high dose antipsychotic medication in October 1993. Such treatment carries an increased risk of adverse effects including towards ventricular tachycardia and sudden death.

A retrospective case note review of all male patients on acute adult inpatient units in a psychiatric hospital in South Birmingham on a date in June 2018 (n = 45) including review of electronic patient records and prescriptions. This was compared with the results of an earlier study, with identical methods, undertaken in June 2015.

• • In both 2015 and 2018, only a minority of patients (20% and 11% respectively) were informal.

• • In both 2015 and 2018, the majority of inpatients had a diagnosis of schizophrenia (54% and 67%)

• • In both 2015 and 2018, 93% inpatients were prescribed antipsychotic medication.

• • In 2015, 56% patients were prescribed HDAT. This reduced in 2018 to 16%.

• • This reduction in use of HDAT was almost entirely due to a reduction in the prescription of PRN antipsychotic medication.

• • In terms of regularly prescribed antipsychotic medication, in both years, the most commonly prescribed drug was flupentixol, with a range of other second generation oral and long acting medications being prescribed, usually at doses within BNF limits.

The vast majority of psychiatric inpatients were being prescribed antipsychotic medication. Prescription of high dose antipsychotic medication was common in 2015, and this was largely attributable to high levels of prescribing of PRN antipsychotics. Following an educational programme for junior doctors and ward nurses, and the introduction of electronic prescribing, we achieved a significant change in practice, particularly in the prescribing of PRN antipsychotics, which has reduced our patients’ risk of receiving high dose antipsychotic medication.

To evaluate compliance within a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT) to the NICE guidelines for the management of depression.

Reducing the prevalence of depression continues to be a major public health challenge.

Given the complexity and recurrent nature of the condition, the NICE guideline CG90 is an invaluable resource to aid the effective management of depression. Here we present an audit of adherence to this guideline within a CMHT.

A retrospective electronic casenote review of all patients diagnosed with depression between January 2016 and October 2019 under the care of a Birmingham CMHT (n = 35), assessing key performance areas including: quality of assessment and coordinated care, risk assessment, choice of pharmacological and psychological treatment using the stepped care model and appropriate crisis resolution planning.

Key results include:

• The majority of patients were Caucasian (63%). Ages ranged from 27 to 69 (mean age 48 years old).

• Severity of disorder was typically moderate (46%) or severe (48%). Of those with a diagnosis of severe depression, 41% had associated psychotic symptoms.

• Psychiatric comorbidity was high (49%), of which generalised anxiety disorder was the most common (59%).

• Referrals were typically from primary care (77%). Approximately half (51%) had reported suicidal thoughts according to the referral.

• A quarter of patients (26%) were seen by CMHT within 8 weeks of referral; 20% of referrals however waited over 12 months before being assessed.

• Risk assessments were out of date for 71% of patients.

• 100% of patients had a crisis plan noted within their most recent clinic letter; however, none of these met the required standards.

Over half of patients (60%) had been referred to psychology services; of these, 38% had either completed or were in ongoing treatment at the time of review.

CMHTs manage the care of individuals with depression who have high levels of active symptoms and disability, psychiatric comorbidity, care requirements, and complex treatment plans. Pharmacological management was broadly in line with guidelines, and rates of referral to psychology were satisfactory. Risk assessment and crisis planning are clear areas in need of urgent attention in order to comply with guidelines and ensure patient safety.

To audit the investigation, identification and treatment of Vitamin D deficiency within Men's Secure Services.

Vitamin D and/or vitamin D deficiency has been suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of mental illness. There is evidence that Vitamin D inadequacy is pandemic among rehabilitation patients in inpatient settings. Patients within secure hospitals are similarly considered to be at high risk, due to their limited solar exposure during often lengthy admissions. It has been suggested that these patients should be considered an ‘at-risk’ cohort, for whom Vitamin D supplementation should be routine. Men's secure services in Birmingham comprise of two medium secure units and a low secure rehabilitation unit. Here we present an audit of Vitamin D monitoring and treatment completed in 2019.

A three year retrospective review of electronic patient records, for all inpatients admitted within men's secure services as of 1 September 2019 (n = 188). Standards were based on the Trust accepted guidelines for management of Vitamin D deficiency.

Key findings included:-

• The majority of inpatients were Caucasian (43%) and African-Caribbean (24%). Ages ranged from 18 to 70, with a mean age of 39.

• Approximately two-thirds (65%) had been in hospital for over a year, of which 44% had been admitted for more than 3 years. The average length of admission was 885 days.

• Only 47% of patients had their Vitamin D level checked within the study period.

• Of those checked, 24% were tested within 1 month of admission. The mean duration between admission and Vitamin D testing was 464 days.

• Results ranged from 10.3 to 118.5nmol/L. A high rate of Vitamin D deficiency was identified (54%), whilst a further 16% had ‘inadequate’ levels.

• 23% of those identified as requiring treatment did not receive any supplementation, whilst 59% of those with sufficient Vitamin D were prescribed treatment.

• Only 48% had their levels rechecked following treatment; of these, only 59% now had an adequate Vitamin D status.

This audit demonstrates limited Vitamin D monitoring within male forensic inpatients. There was a high prevalence of Vitamin D insufficiency in this population, yet a substantial proportion of patients with identified deficiency were not prescribed any treatment. Ongoing monitoring and review of treatment effectiveness was poor. We argue that more consideration should be given to this population, with robust guidelines introduced for the treatment of this specific ‘at-risk group’.

To establish rates of pregnancy testing on admission of women within a blended secure service.

Women with psychiatric illness are known to be at increased risk of pregnancy, often due to engagement in risky sexual behaviours such as having a higher numbers of sexual partners and engaging in sexual activity whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Awareness of pregnancy at the point of admission to psychiatric hospital would inform ongoing care plans to manage the pregnancy in the safest, least restrictive environment and inform future prescribing decisions, to minimise the risk of teratogenicity associated with some psychotropic medications. Ardenleigh in Birmingham is a blended female secure unit. No pregnancy screening guidelines for this population currently exist. This audit sought to establish current rates of pregnancy testing at the point of admission with a view to developing future guidelines.

A retrospective case note audit of electronic records of all patients admitted to Ardenleigh blended women's service as of 1st September 2019 (n = 26). The expected standard for pregnancy testing within one month of admission was set as 100%.

Key results include:

• The majority of patients (67%) were aged under 35 years (range 20–56). The most common ethnicities were Caucasian (42%) and African-Caribbean (38%). Almost half (46%) had a primary diagnosis of paranoid schizophrenia.

• Two women were known to be pregnant at the point of admission. Only 54% of women with an unknown pregnancy status were screened for pregnancy within one month of admission.

• Rates of screening were particularly poor in women aged under 25 years (43%) and between 36 and 45 (0%).

• Women not screened for pregnancy were typically admitted from other hospital settings, including AWA services (27%) or other medium secure units (55%). 2 women admitted from prison were not tested (29%)

• Of those tested, the majority were checked using urine hCG (92%).

Overall pregnancy testing on admission to the unit was poor, with only 54% of service users screened. Less than 100% compliance could result in serious consequences for both the woman and unborn baby if a pregnancy is not discovered. Updating the admission checklist for Ardenleigh to include pregnancy testing may prove beneficial. It is recommended that a re-audit is completed 6 months following checklist introduction.