Understanding challenges around implementation of specialist service recommendations for obsessive–compulsive disorder

Abstract

Comments on an article by P. M. Harris and L. M. Drummond (see record [rid]2016-48546-004[/rid]). The current authors note that Harris and Drummond's recent paper exploring the rate of adherence to recommendations made by their specialist obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) service is an important reminder of the need for tertiary and specialist services to liaise with clinicians in secondary care. Their study found that almost 40% of their medication related recommendations and 20% of the recommendations involving community mental health teams had not been implemented prior to admission to their specialized unit. In addition, 6 months after discharge around 25% of recommendations had yet to be implemented. This suggests that many patients may not be receiving potentially beneficial treatments, thus prolonging the detrimental impact that OCD has on the individual and their family. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2025 APA, all rights reserved)