We have, along I suspect with all practices, a small problem with
depixol injections.
Last week a patient came up to treatment room for his injection because
work commitments prevented him from making an appointment with his CPN.
The practice nurses are understandably worried about giving these, as
they have no training in the use of this drug.
The duty doctor advised the nurse to give it *on doctor's orders* for
that day, but also felt not fully conversant with all the possible
problems with depixol.
The CMHT decide who starts this treatment, and the CPNs are tasked with
administering it.
If the CPN is contacted by the practice nurses about similar occasions
she usually advises *give it anyway*.
My feeling is that the administration of this injection is part of the
CPNs regular assessment of these patients with "longstanding severe
mental illness".
It should not be part of the Practice Nurses job to give them.
I appreciate the *convenience for the patient* element.
I am also aware of the *heavy workload*situation for CPNs.
I would be interested to know what happens in other practices ...
--
Katie
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