Factors effecting medication adherence: A mixed method study

• Research type

  Research Study

• Full title

  Factors effecting medication adherence in patients with schizophrenia - A mixed method study

• IRAS ID

  263403

• Sponsor organisation

  Kings College London

• Duration of Study in the UK

  2 years, 2 months, 20 days

• Research summary

  World Health Organisation defined adherence as “the extent to which a person’s behaviour taking medication, following a diet, and/or executing lifestyle changes, corresponds with agreed recommendations from a health care provider”.
  It is reported that up to 80% of patients with schizophrenia are not adherent to their treatment. This is at a huge personal cost, since most of patients with schizophrenia are young male adults who are at the prime of their lives and should not be hospitalised frequently due to multiple relapse.
  Current literature shows that there are very few mixed-method studies (qualitative-observational) which explored the experience of patients with schizophrenia. Yet, the only way to develop an effective method to support this population and empower them, is to understand the underlining malleable determinants.
  The aim of this research is to thoroughly understand the experience of clients who are diagnosed with schizophrenia with regards to their treatment. The mixed-method study (consists of two phases) allows us to understand factors which influence client’s decision-making process. This will inform clinicians and policy makers in terms of choosing suitable strategies according to the need of the population they serve.
  The semi-structured interview (phase 1- qualitative) used in this project will allow the patients to freely express their feelings around their illness and their treatment pathway. This interview will take place in outpatients department at the Maudsley hospital where clients are mentally stable and are able to reflect on their previous admissions or treatment options. The interview will last up to 60 minutes. Extra time will be granted for those participants who wish to elaborate more. In second phase of the study (observational phase); a questionnaire pack will be sent to consented participants at baseline, 6 and 12-month to observe changes in medication-adherence over time. Empowerment strategies are not about convincing patients to blindly accept treatments.

• REC name

  South West - Cornwall & Plymouth Research Ethics Committee

• REC reference

  19/SW/0169

• Date of REC Opinion

  28 Aug 2019

• REC opinion

  Favourable Opinion