Metabolic Monitoring for Adults Living with a Serious Mental Illness on a Second-Generation Antipsychotic Agent: A Scoping Review.

Premature mortality in people living with a severe mental illness (SMI) is often attributed to multiple factors including the use of medicines such as antipsychotics. Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are known to cause metabolic syndrome which can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Practice guidelines have recommended regular physical health monitoring, particularly of metabolic parameters, however, metabolic monitoring for people living with SMI using antipsychotics remains suboptimal.

Exploring consumers' perspective of community pharmacists delivering COVID-19 vaccinations: an Australian pilot study.

Objectives: During the COVID-19 pandemic, Australian community pharmacists delivered a wide range of professional services, including COVID-19 vaccinations. The aim of this study was to understand the reasons for and attitudes of consumers receiving COVID-19 vaccinations from community pharmacists.

Methods: A nationwide anonymous online survey recruited consumers above the age of 18 years who had received their COVID-19 vaccinations at community pharmacies between September 2021 and April 2022.

Exploring mental health clients' current medication knowledge, beliefs and experience with healthcare providers in the community in South Australia.

In Australia, mental illness has been recognised as a National Health Priority area, with the coronavirus pandemic adding a layer of urgency to the need to address the multiple health problems faced by clients with mental illnesses. Whilst much has been done in efforts to support these clients, little is known about their medication knowledge and experience with health professionals. The aim of the study was to explore the knowledge and beliefs of clients on the use of psychotropic medications and study their experiences with healthcare providers.

Feasibility of a pharmacist-led physical health monitoring for patients on antipsychotic medications: protocol for a longitudinal study.

Introduction: Physical health conditions are the leading causes of death in people living with severe mental illness. In particular, the risk of metabolic syndrome; the constellation of abnormalities in weight, blood pressure, blood glucose and lipid levels, is high in this cohort. It has been recognised that commonly prescribed pharmacological agents for mental illness can further amplify the risk of developing metabolic syndrome; therefore, monitoring guidelines are in place for consumers prescribed antipsychotics.

Improving a pivotal hospital documentation tool utilised by clinical pharmacists.

Objective: To improve an adherence documentation tool utilised by Australian Clinical Pharmacists in hospitals.

Method: Surveys and a focus group session were methods employed to study the perceptions of clinical pharmacists and medical officers on the 'Medication Management Plan (MedMAP)' as an adherence documentation tool and the perceived limitations, if any, of the form.

Key Findings: The MedMAP had limitations which could potentially affect patient care in hospitals.