Yeisen RAH, et al. – The prime focus of this research was to study experiential factors which may affect adherence to medication in adults with psychotic disorders, during the 24–month period after the onset of treatment. Based on the results of the present study, patients reported several factors to have a prominent impact on adherence to their antipsychotics. The patients don't independently choose to jeopardize their medication regime. Health care staff play an important role in maintaining good adherence by being empathetic and supportive in the admission phase, giving tailored information according to patients’ condition and including patients when making treatment decisions.

Methods

• For this investigation, 20 first episode patients (7 male, 13 female) were incorporated in the qualitative sub-study from the ongoing TIPS2 (Early Intervention in Psychosis study).
• Every individual took part in semi-structured interviews at 2-year follow-up.
• All had used antipsychotics, with some as yet utilizing them.
• Using an established meaning condensation procedure, data were analyzed within an interpretative-phenomenological framework.

Results

• The textual analysis showed 4 main themes that affected adherence largely:
  • Positive experiences of admission,
  • Sufficient timely information,
  • Shared decision-making
  • Changed attitudes to antipsychotics because of their valuable impacts and improved insight into illness.