Hospital resource use by patients with schizophrenia: reduction after conversion from oral treatment to risperidone long-acting injection

Healthc Q. 2011;14(1):82-7. doi: 10.12927/hcq.2011.22077.

Abstract

The chronic relapsing nature of schizophrenia is associated with significant resource use. The William Osler Health System, Brampton Civic Hospital site, in Brampton, Ontario, provides comprehensive in-patient and outpatient mental health services to the community it serves, including patients with schizophrenia. The clinical benefits observed in patients with schizophrenia treated through the injection clinic led the hospital to evaluate the costs, resource use and potential savings associated with injectable compared with oral therapy. The substantial savings accruing to the hospital and the healthcare system provide a strong economic rationale for injectable therapy as an alternative level of care for patients with schizophrenia.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Antipsychotic Agents / administration & dosage*
  • Antipsychotic Agents / economics
  • Cost Savings
  • Female
  • Hospitalization
  • Hospitals / statistics & numerical data*
  • Humans
  • Injections, Subcutaneous
  • Male
  • Medical Audit
  • Mental Health Services / economics
  • Mental Health Services / statistics & numerical data*
  • Middle Aged
  • Recurrence
  • Risperidone / administration & dosage*
  • Risperidone / economics
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents
  • Risperidone