Stopping the over medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both (STOMP)

Summary

STOMP stands for stopping over medication of people with a learning disability, autism or both with psychotropic medicines. It is a national project involving many different organisations which are helping to stop the over use of these medicines. STOMP is about helping people to stay well and have a good quality of life.

Psychotropic medicines affect how the brain works and include medicines for psychosis, depression, anxiety, sleep problems and epilepsy. Sometimes they are also given to people because their behaviour is seen as challenging. People with a learning disability, autism or both are more likely to be given these medicines than other people. These medicines are right for some people. They can help people stay safe and well. Sometimes there are other ways of helping people so they need less medicine or none at all.

Content

NHS England has provided a number of resources:

• An easy-read leaflet that you can download and print to give to your patients, service users, families and carers to inform them about STOMP.
• Online medication pathway for family carers
• Film: STOMP STAMP collaboration in Sunderland
• The recorded sessions of STOMP STAMP webinar day where you can hear personal stories from people with a learning disability and autistic people.
• Watch Dr Carter Singh, a GP in Nottinghamshire, describe how non-medical interventions can be used to support people with a learning disability. 
• STOMP-STAMP STAMP (Supporting Treatment and Appropriate Medication in Paediatrics).

Case studies:

• Zoe has a happy life in the community thanks to the support she received.
• Support received helped Graham with his diagnosis,
• An easy read story about helping Charlie’s communication aids and his reduction in medication.
• An easy read story about helping Eddie reduce his medication.
• Make a choice, take a chance and life can change.
• Peter is living the life he chooses thanks to STOMP.
• Stopping over-medication: Ricky and Andy’s story.
• Helping people get the right medicines in Bury.
• An easy read story about helping Andrew to stop taking the wrong medicine.
• A blog about why STOMP matters by Anne Webster, clinical lead for the improving health and quality team in the NHS England learning disability programme.
• Carl Shaw, a learning disability adviser with NHS England, tells his story in a blog about working on the STOMP project. Or you can watch his video.