Monitoring lithium therapy: the impact of a quality improvement programme in the UK.

Objectives: The study was designed to test an audit-based quality improvement programme (QIP) addressing lithium prescribing and monitoring in UK mental health services.

Methods: A baseline clinical audit was conducted against the following standards: (i) measurement of renal and thyroid function before initiating treatment with lithium and (ii) recommended monitoring of serum lithium and renal and thyroid function during maintenance treatment. A re-audit was conducted at 18 months and a supplementary audit at three years.

[Charlson index and the surgical risk scale in the analysis of surgical mortality].

Introduction: There is controversy over how to assess surgical mortality risks after different operations. The purpose of this study was to assess the surgical factors that influenced surgical mortality and the ability of the Charlson Index and The Surgical Risk Scale (SRS) to determine low risk patients.

Material And Methods: All patients who died during the period 2004-2007 were included.

[Mortality risk factors in surgical patients in a tertiary hospital: a study of patient records in the period 2004-2006].

Objective: To determine mortality risk factors in surgical patients.

Material And Method: A cross-sectional study was carried out on all surgical patients who died while in hospital, over a period of three years (2004-2006). Pre, intra and postoperative variables were analysed.