CNE Article

The Incidence of Metabolic Risk Factors in an Inpatient Psychiatric Setting

Catherine Coakley, MS, RN, BC; Paula Bolton, MS, ANP-BC; Linda Flaherty, RN, PC; Lynne M. Kopeski, MSN, RN, PMHCNS-BC; Karen Slifka, RN, PC; Melissa A. Sutherland, PhD, FNP-BC

  • Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
  • March 2012 - Volume 50 · Issue 3: 24-30
  • DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20120207-01
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Abstract

Our study examines risk factors for metabolic syndrome on admission to an acute psychiatric facility and the incidence of medical referrals at discharge. Data on demographics, risk factors for metabolic syndrome, other health risk factors, medications, related diagnoses, and primary care providers and referrals were collected from 125 psychiatric patient charts. Comparison analysis was done for two groups: those with two or more risk factors for metabolic syndrome and those with less than two risk factors. Differences between groups were statistically significant for age, waist circumference, body mass index, high-density lipoprotein, triglycerides, and fasting glucose levels. Few patients were referred to their primary care provider for follow-up care. This study has clinical implications for improving assessment of psychiatric patients at risk for developing metabolic syndrome, for designing interventions to help patients adopt lifestyle changes to mitigate these risks, and for working toward fuller integration of psychiatric and primary care.

AUTHORS

Ms. Coakley is a Nurse Director, Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorders Program, Ms. Bolton is a Nurse Practitioner, Department of Internal Medicine, Ms. Flaherty is Senior Vice President for Patient Care, Ms. Kopeski is the Nurse Director, Behavioral Health Partial Hospital Program, and Ms. Slifka is a Nursing Director, McLean Hospital, Belmont, and Dr. Sutherland is Assistant Professor, Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts.

Ms. Coakley, Ms. Bolton, Ms. Flaherty, Ms. Slifka, and Dr. Sutherland disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. Ms. Kopeski discloses that she is a Johnson & Johnson, Inc. shareholder. This study was supported by the Pollinator Trust Fund, which supports professional development, education, and training for RNs. A key initiative has been the Visiting Scholar Program, which has advanced the ability of nursing staff to conduct clinically based research. Dr. Sutherland served as the first Nurse Scholar in Residence at McLean Hospital.

Address correspondence to Melissa A. Sutherland, PhD, FNP-BC, Assistant Professor, Boston College, William F. Connell School of Nursing, 140 Commonwealth Avenue, Chestnut Hill, MA 02467; e-mail: .Melissa.Sutherland@bc.edu

doi: 10.3928/02793695-20120207-01

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