Experiences and Perceptions of Psychiatrists Treating Schizophrenia With Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics: Qualitative Results From the Multinational ADVANCE Study

Abstract: Background: Psychiatrists’ views on schizophrenia treatment goals and use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) vary widely. Here, the objective was to elucidate psychiatrist attitudes and perceptions toward LAIs and their influence on regional differences in LAI utilization. Methods: The multinational survey study Attitudes DriVing regional differences in LAI ANtipsychotic utilization for schizophrenia among HCPs, patients, and CaregivErs (ADVANCE) included psychiatrists who spent ≥65% of their time providing direct patient care, managed ≥10 adult patients with schizophrenia monthly, and reported treating patients with second-generation LAIs. Results: The 10 interviewed psychiatrists were from Australia, Canada, China (n=2), Germany, Israel (n=2), Spain, South Korea, and the United States. They averaged 18 years of experience; 45% of their time practicing was in hospital-based outpatient clinics. Their primary reported treatment goal was stabilizing psychotic symptoms, particularly in inpatient settings; focus could shift to maintenance and improving quality of life in outpatient settings. Mean LAI use was 27%. Knowledge of differences between LAIs varied. They noted benefits of LAI use for the patient and clinician. Psychiatrists generally viewed LAIs as ideal for nonadherent patients but felt that use should be limited in younger patients. The most commonly reported barrier to LAI use was patient aversion to injections. Conclusion: Psychiatrists reported that treatment priorities for patients with schizophrenia can differ depending on care setting. All interviewed psychiatrists described potential benefits of LAIs for both patients and clinicians but focused on the benefits of LAIs for nonadherent patients, indicating a knowledge gap that could be reduced through education.Short Description: The multinational survey study, Attitudes DriVing regional differences in LAI ANtipsychotic utilization for schizophrenia among HCPs, patients, and CaregivErs (ADVANCE), included interviews with 10 psychiatrists. They reported that treatment priorities for patients with schizophrenia may differ depending on the care setting. All interviewed psychiatrists described potential benefits of long-acting injectable antipsychotics for both patients and clinicians.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc.