Strategies to improve medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia: the role of support services

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to describe research over the past 10 years on the role of support services in promoting medication adherence in mental health consumers diagnosed with schizophrenia. A literature search was conducted using the terms “medication adherence,” “schizophrenia,” and “support services,” using Medline, PubMed, and CINAHL. Reference lists from published studies were also reviewed to identify additional research studies. Twenty-two articles focused on support-service intervention studies, and these were selected for review. Available support-service interventions include adherence therapy, electronic reminders via text messages and telephones, cognitive–behavioral and motivational strategies, and financial incentives. Support-service intervention strategies need to be tailored to the specific needs of mental health consumers with schizophrenia. More research is needed to investigate effective support services to enhance long-term adherence and adherence to medications for medical illnesses in this population.

Are people with schizophrenia adherent to diabetes medication? A comparative meta-analysis

“…Further exploring the behavioural and environmental determinants associated with diabetes medication adherence in schizophrenia would inform the creation of rigorous interventions (e.g. providing patients with detailed instructions and concrete problem-solving strategies such as reminders, self-monitoring tools, cues, reinforcements) (El-mallakh and Findlay et al, 2015). For instance, a review by El-Mallakh and Findlay (2015) points to various family and clinician support services that are available to help patients with schizophrenia better adhere to their medication (Zygmunt et al, 2002).…”

“…providing patients with detailed instructions and concrete problem-solving strategies such as reminders, self-monitoring tools, cues, reinforcements) (El-mallakh and Findlay et al, 2015). For instance, a review by El-Mallakh and Findlay (2015) points to various family and clinician support services that are available to help patients with schizophrenia better adhere to their medication (Zygmunt et al, 2002). These services include multi-cultural education workshops, mobile-and computer-based technologies, reminder Diabetes medication adherence in schizophrenia 24 phone calls, motivational interviewing, cognitive behavioural therapy, as well as home visits.…”

Optimization and validation of an SBSE–HPLC–FD method using laboratory‐made stir bars for fluoxetine determination in human plasma

“…The monitoring of levels of FLU in plasma and its relationship with the clinical response are not widely discussed in the literature, although it was reported that plasma levels were not appropriate for predicting drug maintenance therapy (Brunswick et al, ). It is known that adherence to the treatment also depends on the patient recognizing the need for medication and being committed with the treatment, and there being no financial constraints (El‐Mallakh & Findlay, ); adherence has a linear relationship with the plasma concentrations. The obtained values demonstrate that, although the dosages of FLU differed, the plasma levels were similar, the higher dosage having a lower plasma level.…”

Does Diagnosis Make a Difference? Estimating the Impact of an HIV Medication Adherence Intervention for Persons with Serious Mental Illness

“…In 2015, El-Mallakh et al [42] reviewed the prior ten years of research on the role of support services in promoting medication adherence in people with schizophrenia, and suggested that adherence interventions should be tailored to the specific needs of each person, stressed the importance of conducting a root-cause analysis of reasons for non-adherence in each person prior to implementation of services, and recommended addressing adherence to psychiatric medication as a primary goal with adherence to medication for medical illness as a secondary goal. More specific suggestions include interventions with technological supports and environmental cues.…”