The needs of patients receiving depot antipsychotic medication within primary care

Background. Depot antipsychotic medication is a vital treatment for many people with schizophrenia. Many patients receive this medication from primary care, and have little or no contact with specialist mental health services. Objective. The aim of the present study was to compare the characteristics and needs of patients receiving depot medication within primary care with those receiving their medication from specialist mental health services. Methods. A total of 58 patients were identified from four primary care teams. Data were collected from medical records, and staff interviews were conducted using standardized interview schedules. Results. Patients receiving medication from primary care had more than twice as many health and social needs compared with those receiving medication from specialist services. Conclusions. There are advantages for patients to receive depot medication from primary care, but the needs of the patients must be reviewed regularly, and primary care staff must have easy access to specialist mental health services.