Guidance on the clinical understanding and use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in Schizophrenia: Hong Kong Consensus Statements

Abstract

Aims: There is increasing evidence showing the importance of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in the management of schizophrenia, especially in terms of improving patient medication compliance. A panel of experienced clinicians in Hong Kong mapped out a set of consensus statements with an aim to facilitate the understanding and use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics among local physicians.

Methods: Eight discussion areas regarding long-acting injectable antipsychotics were selected by the chairman of the consensus group. A series of meetings were held for the panelists to discuss the published literature and their clinical experience, followed by the drafting of consensus statements. At the final meeting, each consensus statement was voted on anonymously by all members based on its practicability of recommendation in Hong Kong.

Results: A total of 12 consensus statements on the rational use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics were established and accepted by the consensus group.

Conclusion: The consensus statements aim to provide practical guidance for Hong Kong physicians on the use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics in schizophrenia patients. These statements may also serve as a reference for doctors in other parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

Keywords: consensus statements; guidance; long-acting injectable antipsychotics; schizophrenia.