Schizophrenia is among the top ten causes of years lost due to disability. Goals of treatment are evolving beyond remission of psychotic symptoms to include physical and mental functioning, quality of life, and long-term functional recovery. Evidence has shown long-acting injectables (LAIs) are beneficial for schizophrenia patients by increasing treatment adherence and decreasing relapse and rehospitalisation. This potentially reduces disease progression and facilitates functional recovery. However, LAIs are underused and often seen as a last resort for first-episode (FEP) and early-phase (EP) patients, due to physicians’ lack of familiarity and stigma.

A three-round modified Delphi panel was held to gain expert consensus on an approach to functional recovery in FEP and EP patients with LAIs. A literature review and input from a steering committee of 5 experts in psychiatry informed the development of statements. Round one was carried out via one-to-one video conference interviews, and the subsequent rounds were conducted via electronic surveys, which enabled international collaboration. Delphi panellists were 17 psychiatrists with schizophrenia treatment experience, practicing in 7 countries (France, Italy, US, Germany, Spain, Denmark, and UK). Several analysis rules determined whether a statement could progress to the next round and specified the level of agreement required to achieve consensus. Measures of central tendencies (mode, mean) and variability (interquartile range) of aggregated responses from the previous round were reported to panelists to understand their response in relation to the group.

There was consensus (defined a priori as ≥80% agreement) on the 8 statements relating to long-term treatment goals and LAI links to functional recovery. LAI treatment in FEP and EP patients increases adherence and reduces treatment burden and functional decline compared to the same and other oral medication. Additionally, there was consensus that LAIs lead to better treatment outcome and functional recovery. Other important factors to achieving functional recovery include patient attitude towards treatment and psychoeducation. Furthermore, consensus was reached that functional recovery and quality of life are linked. In summary, this Delphi panel yielded agreement that functional recovery is a reachable goal for FEP and EP patients and can be enhanced using LAIs.

Lundbeck Otsuka Alliance