Exploring the Different Evidence-Based Practices in Addressing Medication Adherence in In-patients Suffering with Schizophrenia; A Systematic Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17605/Keywords:
Evidence-Based Practices, In-Patient Setting, Medication Adherence, SchizophreniaAbstract
Medication non-adherence in schizophrenia remains a significant challenge, impacting patient outcomes and straining healthcare systems. Evidence-based practices such as psychoeducation (Saber et al., 2018), patient-centered care (Kuntz et al., 2014), and technological interventions like mobile health applications (Zhu et al., 2020) have shown promise in improving adherence and enhancing treatment efficacy.
The objective of this review is to compile and analyze evidence-based practices that are effective for nurses in managing medication adherence in patients with mental disorders, specifically schizophrenia, within inpatient settings. By examining strategies to combat non-adherence, the review addresses a critical issue that undermines treatment effectiveness and negatively impacts patient outcomes. Inclusion criteria focused on studies from 2014 to 2023 involving healthcare workers, particularly nurses, dealing with severe mental illness (SMI) and medication adherence. Studies were excluded if they were not in English, fell outside the specified date range, or did not directly address the issue of non-adherence. Databases like MEDLINE, PubMed, CINAHL, and ResearchGate were utilized, and data were extracted and analyzed using PRISMA and CASP methods to ensure rigorous evaluation where 15 articles were included in the review that passed the CASP evaluation.
The review results highlight the importance of psychoeducation, patient-centered care, long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs), and technological interventions such as mobile health applications in enhancing medication adherence. Psychoeducation and support services effectively engaged patients by focusing on illness education and side-effect management, while patient-centered approaches empowered patients through shared decision-making and motivational interviewing. LAIs offer a practical solution for patients struggling with oral medication adherence, ensuring consistent drug delivery and reducing relapse risks. Furthermore, technological tools like mobile apps facilitated reminders and medication monitoring, improving adherence. The findings suggest that a multifaceted approach involving pharmacological, non-pharmacological, and technological strategies, supported by robust healthcare policies, is essential for improving medication adherence in schizophrenia.