'It's not my job. I'm the patient not the doctor': patient perspectives on medicines management in the treatment of schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVES

Medicines management plays a key role in schizophrenia treatment. Objectives were to investigate the feasibility of undertaking in-depth research involving in-patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and to determine patients' views and experiences of medicines management.

METHODS

Research was carried out in the forensic ward of a psychiatric hospital and two rehabilitation settings in north-east Scotland. A qualitative methodology was adopted incorporating semi-structured interviews. Full text transcripts were produced and analysed.

RESULTS

Fifteen of 16 patients approached were willing to participate. Ages ranged from 27 to 70 years and they had been prescribed antipsychotics from six months to 27 years. Nearly everyone was aware of their medication regimen. Most relied on staff for information, but this was supplemented by learning from other patients' experiences. Most were happy to leave decisions to staff and few sought any role in shared decision making.

CONCLUSION

The research demonstrated the feasibility of undertaking qualitative work with patients with schizophrenia. Findings indicated that it should not be assumed that all patients want to take responsibility for their medications.

PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS

Patients' reluctance to assume responsibility needs to be explored and patients' wishes taken into account when planning future medicine related education.