Nursing evaluation of the use of clozapine: an interim progress report.

Abstract

Clozapine, an atypical neuroleptic, has demonstrated some success in the treatment of schizophrenia in clients regarded as treatment resistive. This report gives an overview of clozapine, the indications for and adverse effects of its use. An interim 3 month report of the Rozelle Hospital's nursing evaluation of the use of clozapine follows. This evaluation reports on the subjective experience of four clients during the first 3 months of clozapine treatment. The scales used for the evaluation, the Life Skills Profile (LSP) and the Nurses Observation rating Scale for Inpatient Evaluation (NOSIE-30), assist in measuring change in the clients' functioning and disability. The evaluation, when completed, will offer nurses caring for clients on clozapine a unique body of nursing knowledge.