Audit: Monitoring of side effects using GASS (Glasgow Antipsychotic Side-Effect Scale).

BACKGROUND: Anti-psychotics are often prescribed off-licence for personality and affective disorders. The aim of this audit was to identify patients on specific wards within St Andrews Hospital and to determine how many of the Glasgow Antipsychotic Side-Effect Scale (GASS) forms had been completed as per policy. METHODS: Thirteen patients of Dr Boris Iankov, Consultant Psychiatrist within the adolescent service at St Andrews, were identified. Their records were subsequently reviewed in order to determine how many had completed GASS forms. RESULTS: It was found only 31% of patients had completed the GASS forms. The remaining patients were supported to do so. As a result 92% of patients are compliant with the policy. RECOMMENDATIONS: The suitability of the form for adolescents was brought into question due to the sensitive nature of certain side effects. Furthermore the form should be completed routinely on admission and at regular intervals.

Community immersion project to enhance medical students understanding of the health needs of the most vulnerable in the community.

AIM: A group of eight fourth year medical students formed the 'UBMS public health crew' to conduct a community immersion project within elderly ethnic minority communities. The aim of the study was to understand their health perceptions regarding influenza vaccinations and learn about the enablers and barriers in accessing the vaccination. METHODOLOGY: Interviews were held by the students at community lunch clubs with the help of questionnaires. RESULTS: 76 people participated in the focus groups of which 56.5% were Asians and 43% were Irish. Feedback was sought from the students in the form of an online survey. CONCLUSION: This project helped the medical students improve their public health knowledge, gave them an opportunity to interact with members of the community and learn about the health and social problems faced by underserved/vulnerable communities. The students were also able to appreciate the cultural, sociodemographic and psychological determinants of health in an underserved community. Providing such community immersion projects can enable future doctors to be better prepared for care closer to the community and have better insight into patient-centred care. RESULTS: 76 people participated in the focus groups of which 56.5% were Asians and 43% were Irish. Feedback was sought from the students in the form of an online survey. this project helped the medical students improve their public health knowledge, gave them an opportunity to interact with members of the community and learn about the health and social problems faced by underserved/vulnerable communities. The students were also able to appreciate the cultural, sociodemographic and psychological determinants of health in an underserved community. Providing such community immersion projects can enable future doctors to be better prepared for care closer to the community and have better insight into patient-centred care. METHODS: Interviews were held by the students at community lunch clubs with the help of questionnaires. 76 people participated in the focus groups of which 56.5% were Asians and 43% were Irish. Feedback was sought from the students in the form of an online survey which found that this project helped the medical students improve their public health knowledge, gave them an opportunity to interact with members of the community and learn about the health and social problems faced by underserved/vulnerable communities. The students were also able to appreciate the cultural, sociodemographic and psychological determinants of health in an underserved community. Providing such community immersion projects can enable future doctors to be better prepared for care closer to the community and have better insight into patient-centred care. AIM: A group of eight fourth year medical students formed the 'UBMS public health crew' to conduct a community immersion project within elderly ethnic minority communities. The aim of the study was to understand their health perceptions regarding influenza vaccinations and learn about the enablers and barriers in accessing the vaccination. Interviews were held by the students at community lunch clubs with the help of questionnaires. 76 people participated in the focus groups of which 56.5% were Asians and 43% were Irish. Feedback was sought from the students in the form of an online survey which found that this project helped the medical students improve their public health knowledge, gave them an opportunity to interact with members of the community and learn about the health and social problems faced by underserved/vulnerable communities. The students were also able to appreciate the cultural, sociodemographic and psychological determinants of health in an underserved community. Providing such community immersion projects can enable future doctors to be better prepared for care closer to the community and have better insight into patient-centred care.