Elevating the Patient Voice in Schizophrenia: From Publication to Practice

Abstract: Rationale Patients and clinicians may have different expectations concerning their priorities and perspectives for treating schizophrenia. For example, patient accounts of living with schizophrenia often go beyond the constraints of clinical descriptors. Despite the valuable insights that patient perspectives can add to clinical research and practice, this viewpoint is often lacking in publication and research processes. Here we raise awareness of how inclusion of patient authors can add valuable insight, improving the standard of care for patients. Methods In two linked podcast manuscripts under development (May–August 2022), both patients and clinicians provided unique perspectives into the unmet clinical needs and potential for improving care in schizophrenia. Here we present insights from that collaborative patient-clinician author experience.   Key learnings Current antipsychotic therapies do not offer therapeutic benefits for cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia (CIAS) or negative symptoms, or fully address daily functioning. There is a need for a shift in clinician-focus towards addressing functioning and encouraging patient access to cognitive rehabilitation services and psychosocial support. The patient authors positively described how life goals can be achieved while living with CIAS and negative symptoms, as well as the benefits of patient self-advocacy and peer support that encourage patients to adapt their coping skills and environment, though some patients may face barriers accessing these services. Conclusions Including the novel patient perspective in the publication process helps to inform patient-centered care strategies and may improve the overall treatment landscape, not just for people living with schizophrenia but for other patients as well.Short Description: This abstract presents patient perspectives in schizophrenia, and the unique collaborative experience of a patient-clinician authorship of two podcast manuscripts on cognitive and negative symptoms in schizophrenia. The authors highlight how antipsychotics do not fully address cognitive impairment or negative symptoms, which both affect daily functioning. The need for new approaches and the value of cognitive rehabilitation and psychosocial support is discussed from the patient perspective. Including patient perspectives helps to inform patient-centered care strategies.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): This work was funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BIPI). Writing, editorial support, and/or formatting assistance was provided by Fishawack, which was contracted and funded by Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (BIPI). BIPI was given the opportunity to review the abstract for medical and scientific accuracy as well as intellectual property considerations.