An audit of clinical practice in an ACT team against NICE guidelines in schizophrenia

Abstract

Aims and method: We audited the caseload of an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) team against National Institute of Clinical Excellence (NICE) guidelines in the treatment of schizophrenia. Care coordinators rated the work carried out by the team on an audit tool. Results were compared to a case note audit completed 2 years earlier. Results: 61 patients had a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia. Rates of compliance with NICE guidelines varied from 0% (provision of advance directive) to 85% (written information given, no antipsychotic polypharmacy). Compliance was greater than in the earlier audit. Discussion: When refusal, lack of capacity or indication were taken account of, guidelines were..