Pro Re Nata (PRN) prescription in an Inpatient Low Secure Learning Disability Unit

Area of Science:

• Psychiatric pharmacology
• Clinical audit methodology
• Healthcare quality improvement

Background:

• Pro Re Nata (PRN) prescribing is essential for acute psychiatric distress but carries risks of misuse.
• Ensuring appropriate and safe PRN medication use is a clinical priority.

Purpose of the Study:

• To audit and ensure the safe and effective prescription of PRN medications in an inpatient psychiatric setting.
• To evaluate adherence to established clinical standards for PRN prescribing.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective audit of inpatient records at Wood Lea clinic over a two-month period.
• Assessment of clinical notes against locally defined audit standards based on trust policy.

Main Results:

• The audit indicated good medical practice in most assessed areas of PRN prescribing.
• While NHS numbers were recorded accurately (100%), patient names and ward details were inconsistently documented.

Conclusions:

• The audit identified areas for improvement in patient demographic recording within PRN prescribing.
• Recommendations include implementing measures to address documentation gaps and conducting a re-audit within a year to ensure sustained improvement.