A quality improvement process for implementing the Texas algorithm for schizophrenia in Ohio.
Medication algorithms developed in Texas are being implemented in a number of states in the United States and internationally. This report describes a quality improvement process adapted from the Texas Medication Algorithm Project that was used to implement the Texas algorithm for schizophrenia in Ohio. A total of 38 physicians were surveyed about their perceptions of barriers to implementation of the guidelines. The physicians generally thought that the schizophrenia algorithm was good, current, and applicable. Although they did not perceive barriers to its implementation, they did not seem to alter their practices to a great extent in response to the algorithm. The results of the study may guide other states in their implementation of algorithms.
Dewan
Naakesh A
NA
Department of Psychiatry, University of Cincinnati, Cincinati, Ohio 45219, USA.
Conley
Douglas
D
Svendsen
Dale
D
Shon
Steven P
SP
Staup
John R
JR
Miller
Alexander L
AL
Crismon
M Lynn
ML
Rush
A John
AJ
Trivedi
Madhukar
M
Skale
Tracy
T
Keck
Paul E
PE
Strawkowski
Stephen M
SM
D000465:Algorithms; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D003625:Data Collection; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009820:Ohio; D010820:Physicians / Q000523:psychology; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013781:Texas; D017749:Total Quality Management