Post on 24-Feb-2016
description
transcript
Overview presentation for Community Mental Health Team Leaders
Prepared by NS&CC MHDA 2011
(Acknowledgement: slides from a disaster response presentation by Professor Beverly Raphael were adapted in this overview)
A public health issue
State Emergency Service brochure, South Australia
Hot weather is dangerous
High temperatures are a threat to health, especially in summer and extreme heatwave conditions.
Heat can affect consumers on psychotropic medications – anticholinergic drugs impair sweating – neuroleptic drugs impair thermoregulation.
Early recognition of heat stroke and prompt treatment reduces mortality
Summer “Heat” Social Behaviours
Increased alcohol and drugs use – ‘water first’ preferable
Heat and violent behaviours
Motor vehicle accidents
Vulnerable youth – risk behaviours
Drownings
Heat-related stress – “tipping point”
“She’ll be right mate” attitudes
Signs and Symptoms of heat-related illnessSigns and symptoms of heat exhaustion
– thirst, paleness and sweating– weakness and discomfort – rapid shallow breathing– muscle cramps– nausea and vomiting– dizziness or fainting– rapid heart rate
Prevention strategies– cool, non-alcoholic drinks– resting out of the heat– cool shower, bath or sponge bath– wearing lightweight clothing
– watch for inappropriate clothing in hot weather
Signs and Symptoms of heat-related illness
Signs and symptoms of heat stroke (medical emergency)– core body temperature > 40.5°C– confusion or disorientation– Red, hot, dry skin (no sweating)– rapid pulse– severe headache & dizziness & nausea– possible loss of consciousness– shallow, rapid breathing
Management– Encourage rapid cooling & Ambulance
NSW
Risks for mental health consumers in extreme heat
Particular risk for those maintained on antipsychotic medications:– Recurrent heat-related health problems associated with
antipsychotic treatment– set point of temperature regulation centre could be elevated by
antidopaminergic effects of anti-psychotics e.g. phenothiazines and thioxanthenes
– Neuroleptics may impair hypothalamic thermal regulatory pathways
Meta-analysis of risk from extreme heat:– increased risk with pre-existing psychiatric illness – Mortality: death rate tripled particularly if isolated, housebound
(Bouchama et al Arch in Med 2007)
Suggested Mental Health Service Strategies Identify vulnerable consumers Encourage consumers to write self-care strategies in a wellness
plan e.g. Use of fans, air conditioning, fluids, showers for prevention and treatment of heatstroke
Work to implement the care plan to budget and purchase appropriate curtains and fans etc prior to summer. Check consumers have keys for locking windows to be able to open for a cool breeze.
Contact charity organisations re curtains and fans if financial constraints for consumer
Check clients have a plan for power failures (high grid load in summer)– E.g. for essential medical equipment such as CPAP.
Consider partnership with NGO’s to provide support during summer
NS & CC MHDA resources Guideline: Hot weather preparation and actions for mental
health Consumers [a guideline for staff to assist consumers during hot weather and heat wave conditions 2011]
Brochure
Promotion materials– Poster – caps – drink bottles– fridge magnets
guidelineInterimHot weather preparation and actions for Mental Health consumers
Document Number
Publication Date July 2011
Intranet location/s
Summary Assisting consumers to better monitor and manage body temperature during summer and heat waves.
Author Department NSLHD & CCLHD MHDA
Contact (Details) Liz Newton MHDA GSU, GroupWise
Endorsed By Andrea Taylor, NSLHD & CCLHD MHDA Executive Sponsor
Sector/Service All services (community& inpatient) within NSLHD & CCLHD MHDA
Audience All Staff of NSLHD & CCLHD MHDA
Date Created July 2011
Review date July 2014
Previous Reference No. n/a
Related Policy/s
Key Words Heatwave, summer, Consumers, medications
Status active
Attachments Heat Wave Brochure and Flyer
Health promotion items
Capsprinted on the front with ‘HEATWAVE keep cool’
Fridge magnets with clipto attach brochure to fridge
Simple fridge magnets
Logo was selected in a transparent style, as it cost $70 set up fee per colour – cheaper to use the colour of the product to colour the centre of the sun than pay to have it coloured.Hats were chosen in light colours that would be more dirt resistant than white or natural.
Rationales of some decisions