The aim of the audit was to assess whether risperidone long-acting injection (RLAI) was initiated according to recommendations and to determine which factors might predict successful outcomes. The audit was conducted by an Innovex Nurse Adviser working with the Southern Health Board in Northern Ireland. All patients who had received RLAI during the past two years were eligible.

The audit sample consisted of 64 adult patients, with the primary diagnosis being schizophrenia (59%). Most patients (n=43) had been ill for five years or more, 16 were treatment-resistant. 97% of patients were out-patients at the time of the audit.

The primary reason for initiating RLAI was poor compliance with previous treatment (43%). At the time RLAI was initiated, 38 patients were hospitalized and of these 30 were discharged and being maintained on RLAI at the time of the audit.

The majority of patients (n=58) were initiated on 25mg RLAI. At the time of the audit, 52 patients were being maintained on RLAI, with 24 patients on 25mg, 15 on 37.5mg and 13 on 50mg. A total of 35 patients had been receiving RLAI for more than one year.

Of the 12 patients who discontinued, seven had been incorrectly initiated. Other potential reasons for discontinuation included treatment-resistance (n=3) and refusal and/or compliance concerns (n=8).

The treatment continuation rate in this audit suggests that RLAI is efficacious and well-tolerated by most patients. Patients who continue on RLAI long-term are less likely to be hospitalised.

Janssen-Cilag Ltd financially supported the production of this poster.