3329 DOLS renewal tracking audit: improving compliance with the Mental Capacity Act 2005

Abstract Introduction The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DOLS) ensure that individuals who lack capacity are not unlawfully deprived of their liberty. The Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the DOLS Code of Practice mandate the timely renewal of urgent DOLS authorisations. However, lapses in renewal can lead to legal and ethical concerns. This audit evaluates the effectiveness of a systematic tracking system for DOLS renewal to improve compliance with legal standards and enhance patient care. Method A retrospective audit was conducted over two cycles. The first cycle involved a three-month pre-intervention review of renewal submissions, while the second cycle assessed compliance over two months after implementing a tracking system using a whiteboard to monitor renewal deadlines. Data sources included patient records, DOLS documentation, and staff input. The compliance standard was set at 100% timely submission of renewal requests as per the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and the DOLS Code of Practice. Ethical considerations were addressed by anonymizing patient data to maintain confidentiality. Results The pre-intervention compliance rate was 79%, with 34 out of 43 patients having timely renewals. After the intervention, compliance improved to 84.7%, with 39 out of 46 patients having timely renewals, showing a 5.5% increase in compliance. Despite these improvements, some delays persisted, attributed to manual tracking limitations and workload pressures. Conclusion(s) The implementation of a simple tracking system improved compliance with DOLS renewal processes. However, challenges such as manual errors and staff workload require further interventions. Future recommendations include introducing an electronic tracking system with automated alerts, providing regular staff training, and conducting audits every six months to ensure sustained compliance and continued improvement in adherence to legal requirements.