Structured monitoring of psychotropic medication in university hospital child psychiatry in Finland

Introduction: The use of psychotropic medications has emerged in children, but the monitoring practices are diverse. With the aim of systematizing psychotropic medication practices in children, the Medication Unit was launched at the department of child psychiatry of Tampere University Hospital (TAUH) in February 2021. Aims and methods: The aim of this retrospective patient report-based study was to examine the performed psychotropic medication monitoring in the Medication Unit between 1 February and 31 December 2021. Results: The median age of the study patients (n = 57) was 10.7 years and 77% were males. The most common medications at the first visit to the Medication Unit were methylphenidate (44%) and risperidone (23%). Performed somatic monitoring followed the medication group-specific guidelines well, but target symptom reporting and dialogue concerning adverse effects was not as systematic. Conclusion: The monitoring of psychotropic medications in the Medication Unit was well executed, systematic and followed the local guidelines well. During this study, co-operation with the nursing staff, clearly defined tasks, predefined protocols and proper facilities probably benefitted the monitoring. Further studies on strategies to improve psychotropic medication practices within the child psychiatric service system are needed.