CME DETAILS

To obtain credit for this activity, study the material, answer the posttest, and complete the evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

After completing this educational activity, you should be able to:

• Ensure that patients are receiving continuous antipsychotic treatment by monitoring adherence and making provisions to cover potential gaps in treatment
• Use evidence-based dosing and switching strategies to incorporate long-acting injectable antipsychotics into the treatment plan
• Address somatic and psychiatric comorbidities in the treatment plan of patients with schizophrenia
• Practice effective treatment-planning and decision-making techniques to more successfully manage diverse patients with evolving needs over their lifespan
• Understand the pharmacology of current and evolving treatments for schizophrenia and how this translates into clinical benefit

ACCREDITATION STATEMENT

The CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education to provide continuing medical education for physicians.

CREDIT DESIGNATION

The CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., designates this enduring material for a maximum of 2 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

The American Academy of Physician Assistants (AAPA) accepts certificates of participation for educational activities certified for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ from organizations accredited by ACCME or a recognized state medical society. Physician assistants may receive a maximum of 2 hours of Category I credit for completing this program.

RELEASE, REVIEW, AND EXPIRATION DATES

This activity was published in March 2019 and is eligible for AMA PRA Category 1 Credit™ through March 31, 2021. The latest review of this material was December 2018.

STATEMENT OF NEED AND PURPOSE

Many individuals with schizophrenia experience numerous relapses, ongoing symptoms, and impairment. Clinicians can take steps to improve the care they provide to patients with schizophrenia. Optimal, aggressive treatment and careful monitoring need to begin during the first episode and continue without interruption, which will require transitional periods or potential gaps in service to be anticipated and planned for. Clinicians must better monitor a common cause of relapse, nonadherence, and offer strategies to improve adherence. Long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics have the potential to reduce relapse and rehospitalization for many patients with schizophrenia, but they are underused. Clinicians need information on identifying candidates for LAI treatment, educating patients about switching, and how to safely transition from oral to LAI formulations. To further enhance patient care, clinicians must address somatic and psychiatric comorbid conditions. Patients with schizophrenia have complex and differing needs, and care providers need to assess each patient individually to determine the best course of treatment and adjust care as patients’ needs change. Treatment algorithms and decision models have been proposed to guide patient management, and clinicians would benefit from a review of these tools as well as the evidence on newer treatments. This activity was designed to meet the needs of participants in CME activities provided by the CME Institute of Physicians Postgraduate Press, Inc., who have requested information on LAIs in schizophrenia.

DISCLOSURE OF OFF-LABEL USAGE

The chair has determined that, to the best of his knowledge, metformin is not approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of metabolic side effects or weight gain.

REVIEW PROCESS

The faculty members agreed to provide a balanced and evidence-based presentation and discussed the topics and CME objectives during the planning sessions. The faculty’s submitted content was validated by CME Institute staff, and the activity was evaluated for accuracy, use of evidence, and fair balance by Dr Lauriello and a peer reviewer who is without conflict of interest.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT

This Webcast was derived from the planning teleconference series “Managing Transitions in Care and Adherence to Improve Outcomes in Schizophrenia,” which was held in July and August 2018 and supported by an educational grant from Alkermes, Inc.