Understanding beliefs and concerns of patients with schizophrenia and their caregivers, regarding treatment options, is key to improving their care. Perceived fears can impact adherence to therapy and represent a barrier to prescribers when discussing treatment decisions.

Explore patient and caregiver awareness of and satisfaction with available treatment options.

Independent market research agency commissioned by Janssen, performed an online European survey in 2016 to capture demographics, awareness of available therapies, current treatment satisfaction and adherence from patients with schizophrenia and caregivers.

Results from 166 patients with schizophrenia and 468 caregivers from 12 European countries (France, Germany, UK, Italy, Spain, Denmark, Russia, Sweden, Austria, Belgium, Switzerland, and the Netherlands). One-fifth of patients reported they have not discussed alternative treatment options with their healthcare professional (HCP) despite 37% of patients being dissatisfied or very dissatisfied with their current therapy. HCPs were considered as the primary information source for the majority of patients (73%), although 27% of patients and 25% of caregivers believed that HCPs were not fully aware of all available treatment options. Moreover, 68% of patients treated with oral antipsychotics confirmed they would consider switching to a long-acting antipsychotic treatment, though 32% reported they have not been made aware of it as an option. Many caregivers (46%) reported dissatisfaction with their level of involvement in treatment decisions.

This survey underlines the critical role HCPs play in providing relevant information on treatment alternatives and emphasize the need for an open dialogue on available treatment options between HCPs, patients and caregivers.

Pierre Cherubin is a full-time Janssen employee working within the Medical Affairs Department.

The other authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.