Demonstrating the effectiveness of less restrictive care pathways for the management of patients treated with clozapine.

Objective: The purpose of this study was to measure the effectiveness of two alternative care pathways for managing patients treated with clozapine.

Method: Medical records for 90 clozapine patients managed via three care pathways were audited for a 24 month period (30 per group). The three care pathways established to manage patients prescribed clozapine include: (1) remaining in public mental health service case management; (2) transitioning to general practitioner-mental health service shared care; or (3) transitioning to private psychiatry sole care.

Transitioning patients taking clozapine from the public to private/GP shared-care setting: barriers and criteria.

Objective: The aim of this study was to explore the barriers to transitioning patients taking clozapine from the public to private psychiatrist or general practitioner (GP) shared-care setting, as well as the criteria used by staff to identify patients suitable for transitioning.

Method: The experience of clinicians managing people taking clozapine was explored through circulation of a feedback questionnaire. The clozapine transition questionnaire (CTQ) was developed as the primary measure following extensive consultation with clinical staff with expertise in clozapine treatment.