Exploring Patient, Caregiver, and Prescriber Preferences for an Injectable Antipsychotic Administered Every 2 Months for the Maintenance Treatment of Schizophrenia: A Multicenter Qualitative Interview Study Conducted in Europe

Abstract

Purpose: This qualitative study explored patient, caregiver, and prescriber preferences for long-acting injectable (LAI) dosing frequency, and factors influencing preferences for a hypothetical LAI administered once every 2 months for the treatment of schizophrenia. Patient and Methods: This single-person interview study recruited people living with schizophrenia, caregivers, and prescribers across France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and the UK. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in which participants were asked about their treatment experiences, views on an ideal treatment, and preferences on LAI dosing frequency. A qualitative analysis of interview transcripts was performed to identify key themes. Results: Fifteen people living with clinically stable schizophrenia, 11 caregivers, and 13 prescribers were interviewed. When talking about current treatment (a once-monthly LAI), people living with schizophrenia and caregivers expressed mixed views, with some describing treatment as “easy”, whilst others described a fear that treatment will stop working or are frustrated with the frequency of appointments. When asked about treatment goals, a common theme was wishing for the person living with schizophrenia to be clinically stable, leading to a reduction in symptoms and emotional outbursts. When asked about an LAI administered once every 2 months, people living with schizophrenia and caregivers expressed positive views, and perceived that such a treatment would be less burdensome than current treatment. Prescribers were open to recommending an LAI given once every 2 months to clinically stable patients, or those expressing a preference for a decreased dosing frequency or for LAIs in general. Conclusion: In this qualitative study, participants expressed overall positive views on a potential transition to an LAI given once every 2 months, due to the advantages of greater freedom and less treatment burden. Selection of a specific LAI should acknowledge individual patient and caregiver preferences regarding formulation and frequency, to ensure that targeted disease management goals are met.