Attitudes DriVing regional differences in LAI Antipsychotic utilization for schizophrenia among HCPs, patients, and CaregivErs (ADVANCE) Study: Experiences and Perceptions of LAIs from Caregivers

Abstract: Background: Caregivers play an important role in the lives of people with schizophrenia. This analysis aimed to understand the caregivers’ role and gain their perspective toward using long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAI). Methods: The Attitudes DriVing regional differences in LAI ANtipsychotic utilization for schizophrenia among healthcare professionals, patients, and CaregivErs (ADVANCE) study included caregivers of patients with schizophrenia aged ≥18 years from the United States, South Korea, Spain, Israel, Germany, China, Canada, and Australia. Caregivers completed a 60-minute interview. Results: Among interviewed caregivers (n=19), 74% were family members or spouses of patients; mean time as a caregiver was 7 years. Caregiver responsibilities varied widely and included medication reminders, driving a patient to appointments, documenting and discussing side effects of medications, initiating treatment discussions, and playing a vital role in providing emotional, financial, and logistical support. Caregivers emphasized the patient’s quality of life along with treatment management. Current and prior LAI use was reported for 58% (n=11) and 32% (n=6) of patients, respectively. Caregivers expressed that they received minimal education about schizophrenia treatment options. The key caregiver-reported advantage of LAIs was less frequent reminders of the disease, resulting in fewer discussions about treatment. Cost was reported as a barrier to LAI use. Conclusion: Caregivers can contribute to the treatment decision-making process, particularly in outpatient settings, by supporting discussions with patients. This is especially important for patients who have low illness insight, lack motivation for treatment, and/or lack trust in clinicians. Caregivers reported advantages of LAIs, including reducing discussions over treatments.Short Description: The multinational ADVANCE study included interviews with 19 caregivers of people with schizophrenia to understand the caregivers’ roles and perspectives toward long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs). Reported responsibilities of caregivers varied. Caregivers participate and provide important support during the treatment-decision making process, particularly for patients who have low illness insight, lack motivation, and/or lack trust in clinicians. The key caregiver-reported advantage of LAIs was less frequent reminders of the disease, resulting in fewer discussions about treatment.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc.