Finding out fast about the impact of Covid-19: The need for policy-relevant methodological innovation.

In this viewpoint we explore one joint research initiative in Bangladesh to illustrate how methodological innovations using mobile phone technologies and pre-existing survey databases can generate rapid and insightful data on the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic with significant policy influence. Situating this innovation within theoretical and methodological antecedents for rapid appraisal, we show how strong local ownership can facilitate innovation, rapid research and strong policy engagement amidst even the most difficult research conditions. Such rapid surveys and analysis must remain a research priority in times of crisis.

COVID-19 and the case for global development.

COVID-19 accentuates the case for a global, rather than an international, development paradigm. The novel disease is a prime example of a development challenge for all countries, through the failure of public health as a global public good. The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the falsity of any assumption that the global North has all the expertise and solutions to tackle global challenges, and has further highlighted the need for multi-directional learning and transformation in all countries towards a more sustainable and equitable world.

"Worried about relapse": Family members' experiences and perspectives of relapse in first-episode psychosis.

Background: The purpose of this study was to gain an in-depth understanding on the subject of relapse from the perspectives of family members of young people receiving services for a first-episode psychosis (FEP).

Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach, using focus group methods, was used to elicit experiences, understandings, and knowledge of relapse in FEP. Family members were recruited from 4 specialized early intervention programmes for psychosis in Canada.

Long-acting injectable antipsychotics: evidence of effectiveness and use.

Objective: To review the evidence for the role of long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics (APs), especially the second-generation AP (SGA) LAIs, in the treatment of schizophrenia and to discuss the use rates of LAIs in Canada.

Method: A search of online medical databases was conducted of the published literature (1995-2012) of the effects of LAIs on the domains of remission, adherence, relapse, and hospitalization. Results obtained from randomized controlled trials (RCTs), systematic reviews, meta-analyses, and large-scale observational studies were included.

A qualitative study of experiences with and perceptions regarding long-acting injectable antipsychotics: part II-physician perspectives.

Objective: In many countries, including Canada, a small proportion of people with psychotic disorders receive long-acting injectable (LAI) antipsychotics (APs), despite their demonstrated effectiveness and possible advantages for improving adherence rates. Attitudes regarding LAIs among physicians may influence their prescribing practices and thereby contribute to the underuse of LAIs. Here, we report on a qualitative study of perceptions and attitudes toward LAIs among psychiatrists in Canada.

A qualitative study of experiences with and perceptions regarding long-acting injectable antipsychotics: Part I-patient perspectives.

Objective: Despite the well-acknowledged problem of poor adherence to antipsychotic (AP) medication, long-acting injectables (LAIs) that could improve adherence are underused in Canada. Attitudes concerning LAIs among patients and psychiatrists may contribute to this underuse. Our objective was to investigate perceptions of and attitudes toward LAIs among patients in Canada.