Psychiatric Nurse Perceptions of Long-Acting Injectable Therapies for Treating Schizophrenia: Qualitative Results From the Multinational ADVANCE Study

Abstract: Background: Psychiatric nurses play a key role in schizophrenia treatment; their perceptions of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) vary. The objectives of the Attitudes DriVing regional differences in LAI ANtipsychotic utilization for schizophrenia among HCPs, patients, and CaregivErs (ADVANCE) study are to elucidate perceptions of LAIs and the impact on LAI utilization. This mixed-methods analysis examined nurses’ attitudes and perceptions. Methods: The 7 interviewed psychiatric nurses were from Australia, Canada, China, Germany, Israel, Spain, and the United States. Nurse participants specialized in psychiatry, 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: Nurses averaged 17 years of experience; 47% of their time practicing was in psychiatric outpatient clinics. Their primary reported treatment goal was improving patient quality of life (QoL), especially in outpatient settings; in inpatient settings, focus shifts to stabilizing psychotic symptoms. All nurses endorsed LAI benefits for both patients and providers. Some noted negative LAI administration experiences. Awareness of specific LAI molecules was generally relatively limited. They viewed LAIs as ideal for nonadherent patients but felt that use should be limited in younger patients. Common barriers to LAI use were negative patient experiences from prior forced injection and logistical challenges. Conclusion: Psychiatric nurses highlighted improving patient QoL as a treatment goal. They expressed positive opinions of LAIs, but had limited awareness of specific LAI molecules and prioritized the benefits of LAIs for nonadherent patients, indicating potential benefits of focused further education.Short Description: The multinational ADVANCE study (Attitudes DriVing regional differences in LAI ANtipsychotic utilization for schizophrenia among HCPs, patients, and CaregivErs) included interviews with 7 psychiatric nurses. Nurses expressed positive opinions of LAIs but had relatively limited awareness of specific LAI molecules and prioritized the benefits of LAIs for nonadherent patients, indicating unmet education needs.Name of Sponsoring Organization(s): Teva Branded Pharmaceutical Products R&D, Inc.