Prior to meeting with clinicians, patients with schizophrenia were asked questions regarding their current status and treatment and were shown video clips of an actor demonstrating how to discuss specific problems with a physician.
- The clips provided examples of how someone with schizophrenia can broach potentially sensitive issues with a therapist, such as confusion about prescribed drugs, side effects, poor adherence, use of alcohol with medication, barriers to more consistent treatment adherence, and family tensions.
Compared to patients in the control group (n=26), patients in the intervention group (n=24) demonstrated longer visits, contributed more to the dialogue, asked more questions about treatment, and disclosed more lifestyle information. Clinicians asked more questions about treatment, were more patient-centric, and made more empathetic statements.
Reference:
Steinwachs DM, Roter DL, Skinner EA, et al. A web-based program to empower patients who have schizophrenia to discuss quality of care with mental health providers. Psychiatr Serv. 2011; 62(11): 1296-1302.