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American Public Health Association
133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition
December 10-14, 2005
Philadelphia, PA
APHA 2005
 
3208.0: Monday, December 12, 2005 - 1:30 PM

Abstract #110921

Medication decision making by persons with serious mental illness

Irma H. Mahone, MSN, PhD (c), School of Nursing, Univesity of Virginia, 1688 Dudley Mtn Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903, 4342951463, ih3xn@virginia.edu

Abstract Psychotropic medication remains the single most effective treatment for reducing the active symptoms of psychosis, yet medication adherence rates for persons with serious mental illness (SMI) remain at about 50%. In non-psychiatric chronic illnesses adherence rates have improved with greater shared decision making (SDM) between client and healthcare provider. Self-care concepts have prompted mental health providers to examine adjustment to life with chronic mental illness instead of only addressing illness symptoms. With the idea of recovery in mental health came the focus of quality of life, empowerment of persons with SMI, and participation by the clients. Self-care and health-promotion concepts are central to the concept of SDM and medication self-management in the SMI population. Because of cognitive limitations such as thought disorganization, physical and mental slowing and memory difficulties in persons with serious mental illness, decisional capacity is another variable to consider in medication decision making and may affect the outcomes of medication adherence and quality of life. Perceived coercion has also been identified as a significant variable in the therapeutic alliance, medication and treatment adherence and on long-term outcomes for persons with SMI. This cross-sectional, correlational study of eighty-five persons with SMI will be interviewed one time during a routine clinic visit. Pearson correlational analysis will determine the strength of the relationships among the constructs of perceived coercion, decisional capacity, preference for and actual client participation, attitudes/behaviors to medication adherence and quality of life as they relate to medication decision making in persons with SMI.

Learning Objectives:

  • Learning Objectives
  • Through attendance and participation in this presentation the learner will be able to

    Keywords: Mental Illness, Adherence

    Presenting author's disclosure statement:

    I wish to disclose that I have NO financial interests or other relationship with the manufactures of commercial products, suppliers of commercial services or commercial supporters.

    [ Recorded presentation ] Recorded presentation

    Access, Utilization, and Costs of Psychotropic Medications

    The 133rd Annual Meeting & Exposition (December 10-14, 2005) of APHA