Measuring the Effect of Remote Monitoring of Treatment Adherence on the Risk of Re-admission of Ambulatory Schizophrenic Patients

The Effect of add-on Tele Medicine Monitoring of Medication Adherence, on the Risk of Re-hospitalisation of Ambulatory Schizophrenic Patients. an Open, Prospective, Randomised Controled Trial

Schizophrenia is a chronic debilitating mental disorder, characterised by a relapsing remitting course. Although anti-psychotics can prevent relapse, its effect on schizophrenia outcome remains very limited, mainly due to very poor adherence to medications by the patients. This study aims to find, whether the add-on of remote monitoring of medication compliance via tele-medicine, to routine out-patient clinic care, can improve patients adherence and reduce the risk of relapse.

Schizophrenia is a chronic debilitating mental disorder, characterised by a relapsing remitting course. Although anti-psychotics can prevent relapse, its effect on schizophrenia outcome remains very limited, mainly due to very poor adherence to medications by the patients. This study aims to find, whether the add-on of remote monitoring of medication compliance via tele-medicine, to routine out-patient clinic care, can improve patients adherence and reduce the risk of relapse. The study is an uni center, open, prospective, randomised and controlled.

Inclusion Criteria:

• DSM 4 diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective
• able to give written informed consent
• Have a telephone line

Exclusion Criteria:

• Are not discharged to a place with routine medication monitoring
• Are not discharged under forced ambulatory treatment order
• Are not homeless
• Are not admitted due to drug intoxication or withdrawal.
• Are not admitted due to severe self harm.