Presenters:
Cathy Puskas, Harish Neelakant
Authors:
Cathy Puskas, Valentina Montessori, Silvia Guillemi, Valeria Gal, Tanya Fairweather, Michael Norbury, Rolando Barrios, Jessica Anonuevo, Philip Charlebois, Randall F. White, Harish Neelakant
Poster Abstract:
Problem: Psychosis affects approximately one in 100 individuals and is the main cause of readmission to acute psychiatry care within 30 days of discharge in the Vancouver Coastal Health (VCH) region. Treatment of psychosis in community settings is challenging, however, it can improve symptoms, health and functional outcomes for people living with schizophrenia; reduce self-medication, incarceration, and suicide; and decrease inpatient care.
Methods: The Treatment Optimization of Psychosis (TOP) Collaborative was launched in June of 2021, as a quality improvement initiative led by the BC-CfE in partnership with VCH MHSUS. A free-of-charge online course for health care professionals in BC was developed to meet learning needs for the management of treatment resistant schizophrenia and psychosis in a community setting. The course covers assessment and management of schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders and treatment options, using recorded lectures, slides, multiple-choice quizzes, and case-based worksheets.
Lessons Learned: Since the course launch (17-Feb-2022) to 26-May-2022, 62 learners completed the course. Learners came from varying professional roles and experience levels, and found the course content to be “very good overall” (75%) and “very relevant” (62%). 94% agreed or strongly agreed that the course enhanced their knowledge. Learners felt more confident following the course, and suggested that their management of treatment resistant schizophrenia would change following the course. Learners stated they would benefit from additional live education (55%) to support their practice.
Implications: The TOP course provides knowledge and resources to manage treatment resistant schizophrenia and psychosis at a community level in an interprofessional team-based environment
Key words: schizophrenia and schizoaffective disorders, treatment resistance, underserved populations, antipsychotics, clozapine
