Lithium is a widely used pharmacological agent with efficacy in the management of affective disorders. Lithium has a narrow therapeutic range with a clear propensity to cause toxicity. Optimisation of safe lithium use mandates knowledge of the clinical features of lithium toxicity, drug interactions and other risk factors/clinical situations that may precipitate toxicity. Such knowledge may facilitate reversal or minimisation of risk factors.

Evaluate current levels of safe prescribing and monitoring of lithium with focus on clinical areas aforementioned.

Ascertain current safety standards of lithium use and subsequently deliver clinical sessions concentrated on knowledge deficits identified in the audit hence maximising safety for our patients.

This audit devised a local standard for safe prescription and monitoring of lithium via consulting the pharmacy department, BNF and NICE guidelines 2006.

A random sample (n = 50) of medical and nursing staff involved in the care of patients on lithium therapy was obtained.

Three four-item multiple choice questions were devised for medical and nursing staff with distinct questions for each discipline focusing on important clinical situations and risk factors in lithium use. The audit was anonymous but details were collected on the healthcare role and level of training. Participants also selected their level of confidence for answering each question on a five item scale.

Data processing is underway for this audit however at this preliminary stage important trends indicating opportunities to improve clinical knowledge and practice are identifiable.

Conclusions will be made once data processing is complete.