Development of clinical guidelines for the pharmacological management of behavioural disturbance and aggression in people with psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the process underpinning the development of clinical guidelines for the management of behavioural disturbance in psychosis.


METHODS
A structured process was followed, encompassing a literature review, focus groups with key staff, and pilot testing and monitoring of the guidelines in an acute psychiatric setting.


RESULTS
The process was well accepted by staff and was found useful in monitoring outcomes in a naturalistic setting. The final guidelines proved safe and effective in the acute setting.


CONCLUSIONS
The incorporation of a monitoring system for interventions for the management of behavioural disturbance in acute psychiatric settings is beneficial for staff and patients alike.
Castle
David
D
Mental Health Research Institute, University of Melbourne, Parkville, Vic., Australia. dcastle@mhri.edu.au
Daniel
Jeffrey
J
Knott
Jonathan
J
Fielding
John
J
Goh
Joyce
J
Singh
Bruce
B
D000208:Acute Disease; D000374:Aggression / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000523:psychology; D004358:Drug Therapy; D017144:Focus Groups; D006801:Humans; D008991:Monitoring, Physiologic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*; D012449:Safety; D016896:Treatment Outcome