Consensus statements on adherence issues in schizophrenia for Hong Kong

Abstract

The present consensus statements are the first in Hong Kong to address systematically adherence issues in schizophrenia management. They include areas on adherence assessment and definition, treatment strategies in enhancing adherence, and treatment considerations at specific phases of schizophrenia. They are tailored to be of practical utility in the local Hong Kong setting.

Achieving better outcomes for schizophrenia patients in Hong Kong: Strategies for improving treatment adherence

“…Pharmacotherapy is the mainstay of schizophrenia management. Nonetheless, the very first step of treatment should be a detailed and thorough assessment and an accurate diagnosis for schizophrenia followed by appropriate pharmacological treatment 27 . The international guidelines (such as the American Psychiatric Association and the Maudsley Prescribing Guidelines) suggested trial of a single SGA for first episode of schizophrenia.…”

“…In Hong Kong, the self‐reported nonadherence rate was 30% 21 . Because nonadherence can lead to a high risk of relapse with subsequent clinical and social implications, 27 a phase‐specific review of treatment regimen should be conducted regularly.…”

“…Additionally, there is an increased risk of hospitalization due to relapses, which will further contribute as social burden on patients, their families, and the society. It may also increase the safety concerns on the society due to an increased risk of dangerous behaviors such as suicide or homicide if the mental state was unstable 12,13,27,33 …”

Reliability and validity of the Medication Adherence Rating Scale in a cohort of patients with schizophrenia from Nigeria

“…In subSaharan Africa, the magnitude of poor or non-adherence is huge. [1][2][3][4][5] Direct comparison of the prevalence and determinants of poor or non-adherence with reports from Europe and North America is limited by differences in methodology and case ascertainment criteria. While some studies utilize non-standardized methods of indirectly ascertaining the magnitude of poor or nonadherence, others utilizing validated measures report conflicting findings.…”

Efficacy of adherence and compliance as­sessment in patients with chronic diseases

“…Neodgovarajuća doza podrazumijeva suboptimalnu dozu ili čak veću od propisane. [13][14][15] Koji su razlozi da je pacijent neadherentan u svojoj terapiji? Tri su najčešća razloga neadherencije: zaboravljivost, izbivanje iz kuće i potrošenost svih lijekova.…”