Patient Preferences in Recent Onset Schizophrenia
Poster A52, Monday, October%208, 11:30%20am%20-%201:00%20pm, Essex%20Ballroom
Precina Pankhania1, Hannah Harrison1, Debasis Das1; 1Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust
Introduction: A person-centered approach is paramount in schizophrenia management. Patient’s priorities and perceptions can influence concordance with treatment. PIER is a first episode psychosis service for over 1 million people (aged 16-64) within Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland (UK). Objective: To identify preferred treatment goals of patients recently diagnosed with schizophrenia within PIER. Methods: As part of a multinational study (5 centres, 100 participants), patients under the care of PIER, aged 18-35 years with a diagnosis of schizophrenia within the last 5 years were surveyed. All participants had at least one hospital admission and were prescribed antipsychotic medication for at least 6 months prior to participation. Participants evaluated the importance of 13 treatment goals, satisfaction with PIER and medication preferences. Results: Across 19 participants, the average age was 24.5 years, 58% male and 52.6% diagnosed within 2 years. Preferences were most favourable for: reduced instances of restlessness or urges to move, improved ability to think clearly, increased ability to take care of self, reduced anxiety and reduced frequency of disease symptoms. 78.9% rated PIER as “very supportive” and no dis-satisfaction (0%) was expressed with current treatment. 73.7% of participants reported preference for oral medication compared to long-acting injection. 42.8% of those who preferred oral medication did so to avoid injections. In the global study (Bridges, et al 2017) 61% of participants reported preference for oral medication. Conclusions: Awareness of patient preferences for medication may moderate clinician’s treatment choice. Future research should explore further areas to facilitate patient engagement.
Topic Area: First Episode Psychosis