[Become the expert and embrace a positive attitude: communication strategies for discussing long-acting injectable antipsychotic treatment with patients living with schizophrenia].

Abstract

Patients with schizophrenia often experience relapses that negatively impact long-term outcomes. Continuous antipsychotic treatment can reduce relapse risk; however, this can be hindered by nonadherence resulting from the poor insight, which is often associated with schizophrenia. A strong patient-physician-carer alliance can improve patient insight, and adherence. Long-acting injectable antipsychotic treatment (LAT) provides continuous treatment; however, its acceptance by the patient is often compromised by a lack of physician-patient communication. The COMP approach (Connectedness, Openness, Motivation, Partnership) was developed to build effective communication and aid discussions around treatment. Insights on COMP fed into the development of COMPLETE - a tool for discussing LAT with eligible patients including the following components: 'Life goals', 'Establish connection between goals and therapy', 'Therapy introduction' and 'Encourage long-term motivation'. The overarching objective of COMPLETE is to improve long-term outcomes in patients with schizophrenia. This article discusses the development of COMPLETE and its potential use in the management of schizophrenia.