Bipolar disorder in adults: QS95

This NICE quality standard covers recognition, assessment and management of bipolar disorder in adults (18 years and older) in primary and secondary care. It outlines eight quality statements designed to improve patient safety, patient experience and clinical effectiveness. The eight quality statements are: referral for specialist mental health assessment; personalised care plan; involving carers in care planning; psychological interventions; maintaining plasma lithium levels; valproate; assessing physical health; and supported employment programmes. Each quality statement is accompanied by clear quality measures. The standard aims to improve outcomes in: mortality rate, suicide rate, quality of life for people with severe mental illness, quality of life for carers, employment rates, and service user experience of mental health services.