Telenursing Intervention Increases Psychiatric Medication Adherence in Schizophrenia Outpatients

Date Issued
June 1, 2008
Author(s)
Smith, Kathlene
Crye, Carol
Addonizio, Caryn
Strunk, D. J.
Martin, Whitney
Poche, Josh
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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Promoting medication adherence is a critical issue in optimizing both physical and mental health in persons with schizophrenia. Average antipsychotic medication adherence is only 50%; few studies have examined nonpsychiatric medication adherence. Psychosocial interventions with components of problem solving and motivation have shown promise in improving adherence behaviors. OBJECTIVES: This study examines telephone intervention problem solving (TIPS) for outpatients with schizophrenia. TIPS is a weekly, provider-initiated, proactive telenursing intervention designed to help persons with schizophrenia respond to a variety of problems, including adherence problems. STUDY DESIGN : The authors completed objective measures of adherence to psychiatric and nonpsychiatric medications in 29 community-dwelling persons with schizophrenia, monthly for 3 months. STUDY RESULTS : Persons receiving TIPS had significantly higher objective adherence to psychiatric medications throughout the study period, F(1, 20) = 5.47, p = .0298. CONCLUSIONS: Clinicians should consider using TIPS as an adjunct to face-to-face appointments to support adherence in persons at risk.

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* Lora Humphrey Beebe, * Kathlene Smith, * Carol Crye, * Caryn Addonizio, * D. J. Strunk, * Whitney Martin, * and Josh Poche Telenursing Intervention Increases Psychiatric Medication Adherence in Schizophrenia Outpatients Journal of the American Psychiatric Nurses Association June/July 2008 14: 217-224
Embargo Date
September 9, 2010