title: Safe and effective prescribing practices at the point of discharge from an inpatient psychiatry unit.
abstract: This article illustrates the value of specific prescribing practices in three important areas--treatment adherence, prevention of suicide by overdose/accidental overdose, and communication and accountability--in achieving the safe and seamless discharge of psychiatric patients from an inpatient psychiatry unit. Psychiatric patients are at particular risk for adverse clinical events upon discharge from the hospital. Achieving safe and effective prescribing practices in mental health care requires an understanding of the elements that contribute to a patient's successful discharge from an inpatient unit. The implementation of specific prescribing practices, such as open communication with patients and families and collaboration among healthcare providers, can improve adherence to treatment, reduce the risk of overdose and suicide, ensure a seamless transition to the next provider of care, and facilitate best outcomes for patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pharmacy, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada. VFernandes@mtsinai.on.ca
authors.forename: Virginia
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Fernandes
authors.forename: Edred
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Flak
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D019468:Disease Management; D062787:Drug Overdose / Q000517:prevention & control; D005260:Female; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D055118:Medication Adherence / Q000523:psychology*; D054539:Medication Therapy Management; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology; D010351:Patient Discharge / Q000592:standards*; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians' / Q000592:standards; D011368:Professional-Family Relations; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects; D012307:Risk Factors; D012308:Risk Management / Q000379:methods; D012941:Social Responsibility; D013405:Suicide / Q000523:psychology; D000092864:Suicide Prevention
chemical_list: D011619:Psychotropic Drugs