Understanding clinical decision making for PRN medication in mental health inpatient facilities

The use of PRN ('pro re nata') or 'as needed' psychotropic medication is a frequent clinical intervention in mental health settings. Additional medicines given PRN are the mainstay of treatment for the reduction of agitation, distress and aggression in inpatient mental health facilities, with either benzodiazepines or antipsychotics often given as the drug of choice (Usher & Luck 2004). However, there is very limited understanding of how mental health practitioners make decisions about the prescribing and administration of PRN psychotropic medications (Baker 'et al'. 2007). This study aimed to explore the clinical team decision-making process associated with the prescription and administration of PRN medication, by analysing responses to two vignettes of clinical situations.