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Kennedy MD Publishing Newsletter
Restraint and Seclusion Reduced by Kennedy Axis V Use
January 1, 2012 
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Greetings!

  

A new approach to treatment of violent patients was introduced in December 2011's issue of the British Journal of Psychiatry. In part, this approach involves the use of the Kennedy Axis V.
  

Perhaps this approach should be considered for use within your agency.

 

To follow are some details concerning this new approach:

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The British Journal of Psychiatry

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In the December 20, 2011 edition of the British Journal of Psychiatry is an article involving the Kennedy Axis V:

 

"Aggression and seclusion on acute psychiatric wards: effect of short-term risk assessment"

 

Conclusions from the British Journal of Psychiatry article:

 

"Routine application of structured risk assessment measures [including the Kennedy Axis V] might help reduce incidents of aggression and use of restraints and seclusion in psychiatric wards."

 

In other words, the use of structured risk assessment tools, including the Kennedy Axis V, might help to reduce violence and the associated clinical interventions in psychiatric wards. The was apparently done without extra staffing costs.

 

The October 20, 2011 ahead of print British Journal of Psychiatry abstract and article can be accessed at the following web address:

 

http://bjp.rcpsych.org/content/199/6/473.abstract 

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MedWire News
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A Summary of the Article Was Published in the MedWire News
  
Routine structured risk assessments reduce ward aggression, seclusion
By Ingrid Grasmo
20 December 2011
Br J Psychiatry 2011; 199:473-478
  
MedWire News summary shows study findings indicate:
 
"... regular use of short-term structured risk assessments reduces the number of aggression incidents and the use of restraint and seclusion in psychiatric wards..."
 
"... Patients were assessed daily using the Brøset Violence Checklist and a short version of the Kennedy-Axis V, with weekly assessments performed using the full version of the Kennedy-Axis V, Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Dangerousness Scale, and the Social Dysfunction and Aggression Scale."
 
MedWire News quotes researchers in the British Journal of Psychiatry article:
 
"This suggests that seclusion could be prevented in several instances, but it seems likely that the constant monitoring of the symptoms and risk was helpful in substantially reducing the length of time spent in seclusion..."
 
The following takes you to the web address for the complete MedWire News summary:

 
MedWire (http://www.medwire-news.md/) is an independent clinical news service provided by Springer Healthcare Limited. © Springer Healthcare Ltd; 2011
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LINKS
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REQUESTS FOR FEEDBACK AND LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
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The approach presented in the British Journal of Psychiatry article has the potential of improving care and safety without increasing costs. We are very interested in your thoughts on this new approach.

Click on "Reply" to this email to submit your Letter to the Editor. You may also send your email separately to Dr. Kennedy at:

DrJKennedy@aol.com 
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Wishing you a Happy New Year,
The Staff at KennedyMD Consulting
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