{
  "abstract": "Immunosuppressants such as azathioprine and mycophenolate are often used in the management of autoimmune neurological conditions. Guidelines exist for the initiation and monitoring of these treatments.In our DGH, an audit against monitoring guidelines demonstrated that 50% of patients taking azathioprine did not have the correct baseline blood tests ordered, and 50% had incorrect timing of their monitoring over the first 6 weeks. In patients taking mycophenolate, this was 13% and 50% respectively. In contrast to other specialties, no specific monitoring system, such as the DAWN system, had been available.The implementation of checklists, an Excel monitoring proforma and the development of neurology specific information leaflets increased the confidence amongst neurologists regarding the use and monitoring of immunosuppressants and will hopefully improve information access and adherence to guidelines, despite the infrequent use of these treatments in a DGH setting. Through the following QR code, you can access the checklist, proforma and leaflets used.We believe that other DGH neurology departments could replicate these changes with relative ease, potentially achieving improvements in patient safety and adherence to monitoring guidelines.reece.travis@kcl.ac.uk",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "King’s College London"
      ],
      "name": "Travis Reece"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "King’s College London"
      ],
      "name": "Burwell Ella"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "King’s College London"
      ],
      "name": "Obeng Louise"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust"
      ],
      "name": "Hinze Stephan"
    }
  ],
  "title": "210 Improving use and monitoring of immunosuppressants in neurology: a quality improvement initiative in a DGH",
  "uid": "36ac049f-4809-5a52-b396-7d7ae31ff036"
}