The risk of metabolic syndrome in psychiatric patients
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Background Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is highly prevalent among patients with severe mental illness (SMI), primarily due to antipsychotic medication use. This Quality Improvement (QI) project aimed to enhance MetS screening and referral practices among mental health staff through an educational intervention. The objectives were to achieve a 10% increase in MetS documentation, engage at least 50% of staff in the educational sessions, and increase referrals by 10% for at-risk patients. Methods The project was guided by evidence from literature demonstrating the impact of educational interventions on MetS screening. Implementation involved a longitudinal pre-post design, using the M-BACK questionnaire to assess staff knowledge, attitudes, and practices. The primary investigator conducted two 20-minute presentations and provided e-learning modules for reference. Chart reviews assessed MetS documentation pre- and post-intervention, with McNemar’s test and Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test used to evaluate changes in documentation and staff attitudes, respectively. Results MetS documentation increased from 59.4% to 93.75% post-intervention, exceeding the 10% target. Staff participation in educational sessions was 68.2%, surpassing the 50% goal. Referral rates rose from 88.9% to 100%, an 11.1% increase; the objective met was clinically meaningful, though not statistically significant. Conclusions The findings support incorporating regular MetS education in clinical practice, with quarterly refresher sessions and biannual chart audits recommended for sustained improvement. IRB Approval IRB approval through full/expedited/exempt review. Co-Authors Nancy M. Birtley, DNP, APRN, PMHCNS-BC, PMHNP-BC, DNP Committee Chair Miriam D. Butler, DNP, NP-C, DNP Committee Member Jennifer Parnell, PA-BC, DNP Committee Member Jan Sherman RN, NNP-BC, PhD (Statistician) Learning Objective Explain the impact of educational interventions on improving metabolic syndrome screening and referral practices among mental health staff. Outcome Statement This QI project aimed to improve MetS screening and referral rates among mental health staff through an educational intervention.
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