Understanding How Clinical-patient Communication Affect Treatment Adherence in Schizophrenia

Abstract

Objectives Considerable evidence shows that a patient who is involved in determining the treatment approach is most likely to comply with treatment.The aim of this study was to identify until point the clinicians talk about the neuroleptic medication(NM) and assess patients' beliefs about treatment. Methods In this cross sectional study we use a convenience sample of patients with schizophrenia attending in the mental health departments of three general hospitals in Lisbon great area. Data is being collected through individual interviews. We have applied clinical and socio-demographic questionnaire and additional measures to assess symptom severity, treatment adherence and attitudes towards medication. Results Thirty eight subjects with schizophrenia met the inclusion criteria and were interviewed. Variables of interest focused on experience of communication between doctor and patient about medication side effects, therapeutic alliance, treatment adherence and beliefs about medicines.71% of patients reported that doctors did not talk about how to deal with side effects of medication and 65%think that neuroleptic drugs have more side effects compared to other drugs.55.3% of patients think that if the clinicians had more time with patients, prescribing fewer drugs. Conclusion The clinical-patient communication is one of most important factors in rehabilitation outcome. For this reason, it is important for the patient that the doctor clarifies all your doubts and beliefs about NM in order to promote recovery. The clinical-patient communication can help the patient to identify and manage any side effects and contribute to the development of effective strategies to prevent relapses. Results suggest that forming a strong clinical-patient communication may enhance rehabilitation among persons with schizophrenia.