Skip to main content

Evidence to Improve Care

Schizophrenia

Care for Adults in Hospitals

2

Screening for Substance Use

Adults who present to an emergency department or in an inpatient setting with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia are assessed for substance use and, if appropriate, offered treatment for concurrent disorders.


Substance use is common among people with schizophrenia and is associated with poor functional recovery. Substance use may exacerbate the symptoms and worsen the course of schizophrenia and may interfere with the therapeutic effects of both pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments. Validated screening tools such as the Dartmouth Assessment of Lifestyle Inventory and the Leeds Dependence Questionnaire can assist with screening for substance use.

For Patients

While in hospital, you should be assessed for the use of alcohol or drugs as they may make your symptoms worse and interfere with treatment.


For Clinicians

Conduct an assessment for substance use in people with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia who present in the emergency department or an inpatient setting. Initiate a referral for treatment of concurrent disorders for people who use substances in a harmful manner.


For Health Services

Ensure hospitals are able to assess and provide treatment for concurrent disorders for people with schizophrenia who use alcohol, prescription or nonprescription medications, or illicit drugs in a harmful manner.

Process Indicator

Percentage of adults presenting to hospital with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia who are assessed for substance use

  • Denominator: total number of adults admitted to an inpatient setting or seen in the emergency department who have a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia

  • Numerator: number of people in the denominator who are assessed for substance use

  • Data source: local data collection

Percentage of adults presenting to hospital with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia found to have a substance use problem who are offered treatment for concurrent disorders

  • Denominator: total number of adults admitted to an inpatient setting or seen in the emergency department who have a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia and who are assessed for and identified as having a substance use problem (excludes adults who have received a referral for treatment for concurrent disorders for which they are currently awaiting initiation)

  • Numerator: number of people in the denominator who are offered treatment for concurrent disorders

  • Data source: local data collection

Substance use

This is the harmful use of alcohol, prescription or nonprescription medications, or illicit drugs.

Let’s make our health system healthier

Join Our Patient, Family and Public Advisors Program

Patients, families and the public are central to improving health quality.


Man smiling

Sign up for our newsletter

Are you passionate about quality health care for all Ontarians? Stay in-the-know about our newest programs, reports and news.

Health Quality Connect - Health Quality Ontario's newsletter - on an iPad and a cell phone