Clozapine and shared care: the consumer experience
Kate Murphy
A B D , Ian Coombes A B C , Sara McMillan B and Amanda J. Wheeler B
A Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Bowen Bridge Road and Butterfield Street, Herston, Qld 4029, Australia.
B Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Meadowbrook, Qld 4131, Australia.
C School of Pharmacy, University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Qld 4102, Australia.
D Corresponding author. Email: murph_k@outlook.com
Australian Journal of Primary Health 24(6) 455-462 https://doi.org/10.1071/PY18055
Submitted: 28 March 2018 Accepted: 13 August 2018 Published: 20 November 2018
Abstract
Clozapine is a high-risk medication with restrictions that may increase consumer treatment burden. Shared care may improve access, reduce burden and promote primary care management. However, knowledge about the consumer experience of clozapine treatment within a shared-care setting has not been previously reported to the authors’ knowledge. The aim of this study was to explore the consumer experience within the shared-care setting. This mixed-methods study examined consumers’ experiences with a clozapine shared-care program in an urban setting in Queensland, Australia. Eligible consumers (n = 35) participated in a semi-structured interview, including a survey. Analysis was descriptive and thematic. Ten (28.6%) consumers participated. Survey results found a strong belief in the necessity for clozapine, with a low level of reported treatment burden and minimal adverse effects. Four themes were identified from the interviews: (i) understanding of illness and recovery; (ii) positive outcomes of treatment; (iii) acceptance of treatment burden; and (iv) communication pathways. Participants reported positive experiences in the clozapine shared-care program, citing clozapine’s efficacy and the GP relationship as key benefits, however communication between clinicians and consumers must be enhanced to reduce risk of suboptimal treatment and adverse drug events.
Additional keywords: community mental health: services, continuity of patient care, medication therapy management, mental health, primary health care.
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