How to improve adherence to antipsychotic treatment: Outcomes of the IMproving PAtient outComes in psychiaTry (IMPACT) Berlin 2009 meeting workshop

Abstract

Objective. To challenge psychiatrists about their practice regarding patients’ treatment adherence in severe mental disease, and make them discuss possible ways to improve this through their relationship with patients. Methods. A total of 423 physicians from 32 countries were assigned across 41 parallel groups during a workshop organised on adherence in severe mental diseases. Factors that influence adherence, and questions and measures to help patient–clinician interaction were discussed and rated. Results. The most important factor influencing adherence to treatment was considered to be insight. The factor over which clinicians felt they had the greatest influence was the therapeutic relationship. The question that most physicians considered the most useful for improving communication with patients was, “Does taking medication cause any problems for you?” Additional areas identified as important in improving adherence included addressing the positive and negative aspects of medication, patient expectations and what patients hoped to gain from seeing their physician. Intervention programmes to improve adherence included patient education, motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioural therapy. A composite toolkit based on the top-rated questions to improve communication with patients and measures to aid adherence was recommended. Conclusion. Patient-centred practice is fundamental to ensuring adherence in mentally ill patients. Working tools can be successfully developed in interactive workshop settings, through reviewing and challenging current clinical practice.