Evaluation of a Collaborative Care Program for Patients With Treatment-Resistant Schizophrenia: Protocol for a...

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Research
• Schizophrenia Treatment
• Healthcare Delivery Models

Background:

• Approximately one-third of schizophrenia patients have treatment-resistant schizophrenia (TRS).
• Undertreatment of effective therapies like clozapine is common in TRS.
• Existing healthcare models may not optimally serve patients with TRS.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present the research design for evaluating a tailored Collaborative Care (CC) program for TRS.
• To gain insight into the implementation process and preliminary effects of the CC program.
• To understand the experiences of professionals, patients, and informal caregivers with the CC program.

Main Methods:

• A multiple case study design with a mixed-methods approach (N=20).
• Focus on Early Psychosis Intervention and Flexible Assertive Community treatment teams in the Netherlands.
• Data collection via patient records, questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups.

Main Results:

• Participant recruitment began in October 2020, aiming for 20 patients over 2 years.
• Data collection is scheduled for completion by the end of 2023.
• Results will be published upon completion of data analysis.

Conclusions:

• The study discusses a research design for developing and testing innovative interventions for TRS.
• It addresses limitations in current clinical practice and outlines specific study consequences.
• The research provides a framework for evaluating tailored CC programs in mental healthcare settings.