Controlled evaluation of management of schizophrenia in one general practice: a pilot study

The study reports on a controlled evaluation of services offered to patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia in comparison to diabetic patients and matched attenders with no chronic illness. Data were collected from one inner city London group practice, by a retrospective analysis of patients' notes over a period of 6 years. Although patients with schizophrenia attended significantly more often than other patients, clinical assessments in the surgery were rarely undertaken. Communications with hospital consultant services were rare for both chronic groups of patients but in the case of those with schizophrenia the doctor received on average only one letter every 2 years. The findings support other recommendations for a more structured approach to the care of schizophrenia in general practice with regular attention to mental state assessment and monitoring of drug treatment.