Practice Patterns in Schizophrenia Diagnosis and Management: Identifying Gaps in Clinician Knowledge

This work was sponsored by Medscape Education Objectives: This study was designed to understand the clinical practice gaps and perspectives of clinicians related to the diagnosis, management, and emerging therapies of schizophrenia and help inform the development of future education and tools to improve clinician knowledge, competence and confidence. Methods: A CME survey instrument containing 24 multiple choice, knowledge and case-based questions was used to assess participants’ knowledge, attitudes, and confidence on different clinical topics related to schizophrenia. The survey was available online to US clinicians without monetary compensation or charge. Respondent confidentiality was maintained, and the responses were de-identified and aggregated prior to analyses. Questions were grouped into clinical themes and analyzed. Data were collected from 02/10/2023 to 04/13/2023. Results: In total, 525 psychiatrists and 68 psychiatry focused advanced practice providers (APPs) answered all questions in the assessment. 41% of psychiatrists and 39% of APPs answered questions incorrectly on diagnosis and assessment. 39% of psychiatrists and 42% of APPs answered questions incorrectly on individualizing treatment decisions. 59% of psychiatrists and 57% of APPs answered questions incorrectly on MOA and clinical data of emerging therapies. 47% of psychiatrists and 62% of APPs answered questions incorrectly on new understandings of schizophrenia pathology. Conclusion: This educational research revealed important knowledge and competence gaps amongst psychiatrists and APPs who manage patients with schizophrenia.