Non-medical prescribing considerations in emergency mental health services

Abstract

The emergency mental health practitioner's job involves providing immediate care to patients who are suffering a mental health crisis. Independent nurse prescribing supports this service through timely access to pharmacological and non-pharmacological measures or cognitive behavioural strategies. This case study involves a service user diagnosed with bipolar type II disorder who presents with suicidal ideation, and outlines the prescribing options available for short-term crises and long-term risk management. There is a complex balance of appraising physical and mental health including capacity, assessment of risk of self-harm and harm to others, and working in consultation to optimise adherence and concordance. The authors highlight the importance of using a person-centred approach, which includes family, carers and their wider support network, to develop a therapeutic relationship which promotes positive outcomes. This is further supported by utilising the most recent and up-to-date policy, guidelines and legislation, including local and national policies.