The Importance of Nutrition with Concurrent Use of Atypical Antipsychotic Medication

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this quality improvement project is to educate Marana Health Center providers on treatment recommendations related to metabolic effects, weight gain of atypical antipsychotics, provide educational materials to increase their knowledge, intent to adopt these recommendations and materials into their treatment. Background: Emerging in late 1980’s, second-generation, atypical, antipsychotics have been used to treat a variety of psychiatric conditions such as psychotic disorders, mood disorders, and autism. These medications, however, have been linked to potential metabolic side effects such as weight gain. Author educated providers at integrated health clinic on evidenced-based intervention recommendations regarding weight gain, patient metabolic implications, and prescribed second-generation antipsychotic. Goal was to increase provider knowledge, perceived benefit, and intent to adopt these interventions into treatment planning. Method: Design used for quality improvement project was Model for Improvement and PDSA Cycle. Recruitment for participants occurred via email to presentation educating them on recommended interventions addressing metabolic complications and weight gain in patients being treated with second-generation antipsychotics. Participants completed pretest/posttest survey to measure any change in areas of knowledge in interventions recommended for patients on second generation antipsychotics, perceived benefit of implementing these recommendations, and intent to adopt recommendations (educational pamphlet) into treatment plan. Results: A pretest/posttest format was utilized with web-based educational in-service regarding treatments and interventions addressing weight gain in individuals prescribed atypical antipsychotics. Median scores increased in first and third statements concerning participants’ perceived knowledge about various treatment interventions to address weight gain and perceived benefit of an educational pamphlet to assist dietary goals. Second statement, which assessed participants’ understanding and perceived benefit of verbal education showed no change in median score. Additional information was obtained about perceived barriers to distribution of educational tool to patients. These included patient education level, time, and accessibility to handout and resources. Conclusion: The implementation of education was successful, as anticipated outcomes were achieved. Results show increase in provider knowledge evidence-based treatments and interventions addressing weight gain in patients prescribed atypical antipsychotics, perceived benefit of continued verbal education and introduction of an educational pamphlet for distribution to patient to assist them in better dietary choices.