Medication nonadherence has been associated with persistence of psychotic symptoms, relapse, and hospitalization in patients with
schizophrenia. Patients with untreated
psychosis are significantly less likely to achieve remission, whereas
antipsychotic drug adherence has been associated with recovery. As such, adherence to
antipsychotic drug treatment is a key issue for nurses and treatment team members caring for patients who typically are on chronic, progressive disease course. Long-acting
injectable (LAI) anti-psychotic drugs, developed to improve adherence and provide and alternative
antipsychotic drug treatment fro
schizophrenia, have been associated with improved treatment outcomes including reduction of relapse rates approximately 30% and reduction in hospitalizations. However, LAI
antipsychotic drugs remain underutilized in the United States despite a growing body of literature supporting positive outcomes of LAI versus oral
antipsychotic drugs. Mental health nurses are in a key position to support improved adherence inpatients with
schizophrenia through use of practical educational strategies that help patients, family members, and health care providers better understand and manage treatment.