Assessment of Drug-Induced QTc Prolongation in Mental Health Practice: Validation of an Evidence-Based Algorithm.

Background: Drug-induced QTc interval prolongation (QTcIP) can lead to serious consequences and is often a concern for mental health practitioners, as access to experts such as cardiologists, for consultation is time-limiting and can delay treatment decisions. This research aimed at validating the content of an algorithm for the assessment, management and monitoring of drug-induced QTcIP in mental health practice.

Methods: Following an initial face validity by content experts, a cross-sectional survey of mental health care practitioners with a 4-point Likert-type scale was used to assess the validity of the decision steps on the QTcIP algorithm (QTcIPA) by estimating the content validity index (CVI) and the modified kappa statistic (κ*).

Content Validation of an Algorithm for the Assessment, Management and Monitoring of Drug-Induced QTc Prolongation in the Psychiatric Population.

Background: QTc interval (QTcI) prolongation leads to serious complications, making it a concern for clinicians. Assessing the risk of QTcI prolongation in the psychiatric population is important because they are exposed to multiple medications known to increase the risk of life-threatening arrhythmias.

Aim: The study aims to validate the content of an algorithm for the assessment, management and monitoring of drug-induced QTc prolongation in the psychiatric population.