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Patient, carer and staff education (Lithium)

Please update your RDS mobile app to version 4.7.1

We are pleased to advise that deep linking capability, enabling users to directly download individual mobile toolkits, has now been released on the RDS mobile app. When you install the update, you will see that each toolkit has a small QR code icon the header area beside the search icon – see screenshot below. Clicking on this icon will open up a window with a full-size QR code and the alternative of a short URL for sharing with users. Instructions are provided.

You may need to actively install the update to install RDS app version 4.7.1 to see this improvement. Installing this update is also strongly recommended to get the full benefits of the new contingency arrangements – specifically, that if the RDS website should fail, you will still be able to download new mobile app toolkits.

To check your current RDS version, click on the three dots bottom right of the RDS app screen. This takes you to a “More” page where you will see the version number. To install latest updates:

On iPhones – go to the Apple store, click on your profile icon top right, scroll down to see the apps waiting to be updated and update the RDS app.

On Android phones – these can vary, but try going to the Google Play store, click on your profile icon top right, click on “Manage apps and device”, select and update the RDS app.

Please get in touch with ann.wales3@nhs.scot with any questions.

Patient, carer and staff education (Lithium)

Principles

All patients and where appropriate carers will be given individualised education to support the safe and effective use of lithium.
Both verbal and written information should be provided.
Document the information provided.
Reinforce key educational messages regularly.
Ensure consent for treatment is sought and documented.

Educational content

Education should cover:

• Purpose and potential outcomes of treatment

• Preparation and dose

• Potential side effects and risks

• Signs and symptoms of toxicity and what to do about them

• Common drug interactions and how to avoid them

• Importance of ongoing compliance

• Need for adequate hydration

• Need for and purpose of regular blood tests

• Need to inform healthcare professionals that they take lithium

• How to get help if problems occur

Resources

The following resources should be used to meet patients educational needs:

Choice and medication

RCPsych Bipolar

Birmingham University Leaflets for people with LD

Last reviewed: 06/12/2023

Next review date: 01/08/2025

Author(s): PMG-MH.

Version: 1

Author email(s): PrescribingManagementGroup.MentalHealth@ggc.scot.nhs.uk.

Approved By: PMG-MH

Reviewer name(s): Lead Clinical Pharmacist, Clinical Effectiveness Pharmacist.