Commentaries on the Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) Studies

Abstract

At a time when the knowledge base available to inform clinical practice is expanding rapidly and there is increasing pressure on clinicians for productivity and cost efficiency, it becomes increasingly difficult for practitioners to critically assimilate data from clinical trials, expert opinion, and personal experience. Such efforts as those undertaken by the Schizophrenia Patient Outcomes Research Team (PORT) are extremely helpful for clinicians from all disciplines involved in the care of patients with schizophrenia. Their report provides a thorough and thoughtful summary of what is known and with what degree of confidence, which helps guide both contemporary practice and future research. In addition, the PORT Client Survey provides a snapshot of clinical practice that highlights the need for more successful knowledge transfer and the development of systems that can better support optimum care.