Objective: The aim of this retrospective
database study was to determine rates of screening
for metabolic side effects by physician specialty
in community hospital patients prescribed atypical antipsychotics.
Method: A pharmacy database review
identified patients who were prescribed atypical
antipsychotics over a 6-month period from July 1, 2004, to December 31, 2004. This list of
patients was then cross-referenced with the
laboratory database to determine if screening laboratory
tests for metabolic abnormalities had been ordered.
Results: 13% of patients prescribed
atypical antipsychotics had fasting blood glucose
levels measured during the study period. 30% of patients prescribed atypical antipsychotics also
had lipid panels measured during the study period. Screening rates varied by specialty of
physician. Physicians trained in combined family
practice and psychiatry had the highest rate of
screening, followed by other nonpsychiatric specialties.
Psychiatrists had the lowest rate of screening.
Conclusions: The rate of screening for
metabolic side effects of atypical antipsychotics in
this community hospital setting was low.
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