title: A centralized system for monitoring clozapine use in British Columbia.
abstract: The Clozapine Resource Centre in British Columbia is a centralized information source for all physicians wishing to prescribe clozapine and also performs back-up hematological and compliance monitoring. Laboratories fax weekly hematology results to physicians and to the center. The center enters results in a national database and compiles twice-weekly noncompliance reports; physicians are notified of abnormal results, and caregivers of noncompliance. The centralized system obviates the practice in some jurisdictions of hiring case coordinators to oversee these procedures and may reduce physician reluctance to prescribe clozapine. It improves coordination among monitoring and treatment parties and ensures better continuity of care.
authors.affiliation: Clozapine Resource Centre, Riverview Hospital, British Columbia, Canada.
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Black
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Greenidge
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Ehmann
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Ganesan
authors.forename: W G
authors.initials: WG
authors.lastname: Honer
mesh_terms: D016907:Adverse Drug Reaction Reporting Systems; D000380:Agranulocytosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000517:prevention & control; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001955:British Columbia; D003024:Clozapine / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003266:Continuity of Patient Care; D003628:Database Management Systems; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology
chemical_list: D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D003024:Clozapine