Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale printable pdf download

MONTANA STATE HOSPITAL

POLICY AND PROCEDURE

ABNORMAL INVOLUNTARY MOVEMENT SCALE (AIMS)

EXAMINATION FOR TARDIVE DYSKINESIA

Effective Date: September 21, 2012

Policy #: TX-01

Page 1 of 2

PURPOSE: To formally assess patients for whom psychotropic medications have been

prescribed to identify symptoms that may indicate the presence of Tardive Dyskinesia.

II.

POLICY: The AIMS examination will be administered to all patients for whom

psychotropic medications are prescribed. The examination will be administered either at

the time of the patient’s admission to the hospital or when medications are initially

prescribed. In addition, for patients taking psychotropic medication, AIMS examination

procedures will be repeated at intervals of no less than every six (6) months.

III.

DEFINITIONS:

A. Tardive Dyskinesia: A neurologic disorder characterized by abnormal involuntary

movements which may occur as an undesired effect of dopamine blocking

medications.

IV.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

A. The Licensed Nurse has the responsibility for ensuring that the AIMS scale is

completed on all patients on psychotropic medications and the attending licensed

independent practitioner (LIP) is notified when appropriate, as per the policy

procedure guidelines.

PROCEDURE:

A. The hospital will supply forms for conducting the AIMS examination to all hospital

units. The procedure for administering the AIMS examination is contained in the

form. The form shall be entered into the patient’s chart upon completion of the

examination.

B. The AIMS examination procedure will be completed for each patient for whom

psychotropic medication is prescribed. When possible, the examination procedure

should be completed before the patient begins taking this type of medication. When

this is not possible, the procedure should be completed at the earliest possible time;

either after admission or after psychotropic medications are prescribed.

C. The examination procedure shall be repeated at least every six (6) months for patients

taking psychotropic medications who remain in the hospital. The examination

Abnormal Involuntary Movement Scale