Ninth International Conference on Health, Wellness & Society

Abstract

Several cardio-metabolic risk factors have been linked to certain antipsychotic treatments and Veterans with mental illness are at increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease. Metabolic monitoring among patients using antipsychotics has been shown to be inadequate despite the release of several guidelines designed to guide clinicians on the optimal use of antipsychotics and the consideration of cardio-metabolic risk. Recent data indicate a higher prevalence of nearly 35 percent of all adults developing metabolic syndrome. The concept of this study is to evaluate the prevalence of antipsychotic-induced metabolic syndrome and provider’s sensitivity to cardio-metabolic disorders in their selection of antipsychotic medications. We identified patients taking antipsychotic medications prescribed by providers at VAPAHCS from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2015. We then used patient health records to collect the following clinical information: laboratory values; vital signs; medications for hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes; and antipsychotic medications. Patterns of providers’ prescribing practices (like timeliness of medication changes) given abnormal lab values and physical measurements were analyzed. As preparatory for research, the proponents of this study collected 1,529 charts to review. An interdisciplinary approach to improve health outcomes involving psychiatrists, pharmacists, nutritionists, physical therapists, case managers working together to vigilantly monitor patients who are on anti-psychotic medications may prove to be the most effective preventive model. A team of diverse specialties coordinating toward a common goal to avert well-documented and modifiable risk factors such as poor diet, physical inactivity, and obesity would be most beneficial for patients.