Abstract
As many as 50% of patients with schizophrenia do not take oral antipsychotic medications as prescribed, yet long acting injections
are rarely utilized. Community agencies that serve this population are often over-burdened and poorly funded. There are negative
attitudes on the part of both physicians and consumers about injections. Transportation and logistics are often problematic.
We describe the unique opportunity provided by the need for bi-weekly or monthly injections to establish a recovery-oriented
group around injection visits. Our approach discusses methods and resources to help overcome some of the common barriers by
establishing advocates within the agency, establishing necessary infrastructure, providing education for consumers, providers,
and staff, sharing information about successful outcomes with clinic staff and working through billing issues. We also recommend
public advocacy on the part of the clinic and consumers to work with state funding sources to change regulations that may
limit appropriate clinical care.
are rarely utilized. Community agencies that serve this population are often over-burdened and poorly funded. There are negative
attitudes on the part of both physicians and consumers about injections. Transportation and logistics are often problematic.
We describe the unique opportunity provided by the need for bi-weekly or monthly injections to establish a recovery-oriented
group around injection visits. Our approach discusses methods and resources to help overcome some of the common barriers by
establishing advocates within the agency, establishing necessary infrastructure, providing education for consumers, providers,
and staff, sharing information about successful outcomes with clinic staff and working through billing issues. We also recommend
public advocacy on the part of the clinic and consumers to work with state funding sources to change regulations that may
limit appropriate clinical care.
- Content Type Journal Article
- Pages 1-6
- DOI 10.1007/s10597-011-9389-6
- Authors
- Dawn I. Velligan, Department of Psychiatry, MS 7792, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Elisa Medellin, Department of Psychiatry, MS 7792, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Meredith Draper, Department of Psychiatry, MS 7792, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Natalie Maples, Department of Psychiatry, MS 7792, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Albana Dassori, Department of Psychiatry, MS 7792, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Troy A. Moore, Department of Psychiatry, MS 7792, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Linda Lopez, Department of Psychiatry, MS 7792, University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio, 7300 Floyd Curl Drive, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
- Journal Community Mental Health Journal
- Online ISSN 1573-2789
- Print ISSN 0010-3853