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PRN Psychotropic Medication and Acute Mental Health Nursing: Reviewing the Evidence

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-17, 13:06 authored by Molloy, L, John FieldJohn Field, Beckett, P, Holmes, D
Abstract Administration of p.r.n. (pro re nata) medication is a typical practice in acute inpatient mental health units. Although guided by the prescription, the administration of p.r.n. medication is a relatively autonomous component of the nurse’s role, and the decision to administer is generally one for the nurse. During a number of facilitated planning days at the authors’ facility, nurses indicated that the practice associated with administration of psychotropic p.r.n. medications in an acute inpatient mental health unit required clearer articulation. Against this background, the authors conducted a review of the literature, with two objectives: to identify and then communicate to the nurses the best evidence to support nursing practice. The authors found considerable variation in nursing practices related to administration of p.r.n. medication. In an area of practice that is undertaken with such regularity and with considerable potential impact on consumers, these findings point to the need for further research to establish best practices. Mr. Molloy is Senior Lecturer, University of Tasmania, Sydney, New South Wales, Dr. Field is Associate Professor, University of Tasmania, Hobart, Tasmania, Mr. Beckett is Clinical Nurse Consultant, Mental Health Program, and Mr. Holmes is Consumer Participation Officer, Alcohol and Drug and Mental Health Program, St. Vincent’s Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The authors have disclosed no potential conflicts of interest, financial or otherwise.

Funding

University of Tasmania

History

Publication title

Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services

Volume

50

Issue

8

Pagination

12-15

ISSN

0279-3695

Department/School

School of Nursing

Publisher

Slack Inc

Place of publication

6900 Grove Rd, Thorofare, USA, Nj, 08086

Rights statement

Copyright 2012 SLACK Incorporated

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Mental health services

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    University Of Tasmania

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