Maximizing Treatment Success for Patients with SMI: Promoting Adherence and Treatment Engagement-View Presentation Slides

View Presentation Slides

Pdf Summary

The American Psychiatric Association presented a webinar on maximizing treatment success for patients with serious mental illness (SMI), focusing on promoting adherence and treatment engagement. The session, held on July 19, 2019, aimed to educate healthcare providers on identifying the causes and scope of non-adherence in conditions like bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and treatment-resistant depression. It detailed strategies to improve adherence, including the use of long-acting injectable medications, medication strategies, self-management practices, and supportive therapy.<br /><br />The prevalence of non-adherence in SMI patients is notable, with approximately 50% non-compliance, similar to rates in other chronic diseases like hypertension. Causes of non-adherence can be complex, given the multiple medications and potential side effects involved. They can be exacerbated by factors like lack of motivation, cognitive impairments in schizophrenia, and issues such as poor insight or impulsivity in bipolar disorder.<br /><br />The webinar emphasized the use of tools like the Frequency and Intensity of Side Effects Rating (FIBSER) to gauge the impact of medication side effects on daily functioning. Behavioral interventions grounded in the Health Belief Model suggest that adherence improves when patients feel in control of their treatment decisions. Long-acting injectables (LAIs) were highlighted for ensuring consistent medication levels, though they are sometimes stigmatized.<br /><br />To bolster medication adherence, strategies such as automatic refills, psycho-education, technological assistance, and family involvement were discussed. Shared decision-making, supportive psychotherapy, and therapeutic alliances are also crucial, as they foster trust between patients and providers.<br /><br />For more resources and questions regarding SMIs, participants were directed to SMIadviser.org, where they could engage with experts and access further educational materials. A follow-up webinar focusing on digital approaches to psychiatric care for older adults was also announced.

Keywords

serious mental illness

treatment adherence

bipolar disorder

schizophrenia

long-acting injectables

non-adherence causes

psycho-education

Health Belief Model

medication side effects

therapeutic alliances