Acute mental health nursing and prn medication administration: a review of the literature

This literature review examines the culture of prn medication within acute inpatient mental health settings. Administering medication on a prn basis largely falls to the judgement of qualified nurses. The themes explored are an overuse and reliance on prn medication, poor documentation surrounding this practice and the need for a standardised assessment. The implications of these are deliberated, including accountability, public image and media coverage (including the Francis Inquiry Report).