Schizophrenia--time to commit to policy change.
Care and outcomes for people with schizophrenia have improved in recent years, but further progress is needed to help more individuals achieve an independent and fulfilled life. This report sets out the current need, informs policy makers and all relevant stakeholders who influence care quality, and supports their commitment to creating a better future. The authors recommend the following policy actions, based on research evidence, stakeholder consultation, and examples of best practice worldwide. (1) Provide an evidence-based, integrated care package for people with schizophrenia that addresses their mental and physical health needs. (2) Provide support for people with schizophrenia to enter and to remain in their community, and develop mechanisms to help guide them through the complex benefit and employment systems. (3) Provide concrete support, information, and educational programs to families and carers on how to enhance care for an individual living with schizophrenia in a manner that entails minimal disruption to their lives. (4) All stakeholders, including organizations that support people living with schizophrenia, should be consulted to regularly revise, update, and improve policy on the management of schizophrenia. (5) Provide support, which is proportionate to the impact of the disease, for research and development of new treatments. (6) Establish adequately funded, ongoing, and regular awareness-raising campaigns that form an integral part of routine plans of action. Implementation of the above recommendations will require engagement by every stakeholder, but with commitment from all, change can be achieved.
*To whom correspondence should be addressed; Innsbruck Medical University, Anichstrasse 35, A-6020 Innsbruck, Austria; tel: +43-512-504-23669, fax: +43-512-504-25267, e-mail: Wolfgang.fleischhacker@i-med.ac.at.
W Wolfgang
WW
Fleischhacker
Celso
C
Arango
Paul
P
Arteel
Thomas R E
TR
Barnes
William
W
Carpenter
Ken
K
Duckworth
Silvana
S
Galderisi
Lisa
L
Halpern
Martin
M
Knapp
Stephen R
SR
Marder
Mary
M
Moller
Norman
N
Sartorius
Peter
P
Woodruff
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000379:methods*; D016832:Employment, Supported / Q000379:methods; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D005196:Family Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006291:Health Policy; D006801:Humans; D057187:Independent Living; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012944:Social Support
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents
antipsychotics; health policy; psychotherapy; quality of life; recovery; schizophrenia