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Evidence to Improve Care

Schizophrenia

Care for Adults in Hospitals



This quality standard addresses care for adults aged 18 years and older with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia who are seen in an emergency department or admitted to an inpatient setting.

See below for a summary of the quality standard or download it for more detailed statements.

Download the Quality Standard


Quality Statement 1: Comprehensive Interprofessional Assessment
Adults who are admitted to an inpatient setting with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia undergo a comprehensive interprofessional assessment that informs their care plan.


Quality Statement 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.


Quality Statement 3: Physical Health Assessment
Adults who are admitted to an inpatient setting with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia undergo a physical health assessment focusing on conditions common in people with schizophrenia. This assessment informs their care plan.


Quality Statement 4: Promoting Physical Activity and Healthy Eating
Adults who are admitted to an inpatient setting with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia are offered interventions that promote both physical activity and healthy eating.


Quality Statement 5: Promoting Smoking Cessation
Adults who are admitted to an inpatient setting with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia and who smoke tobacco are offered behavioural and pharmacological interventions to alleviate nicotine-withdrawal symptoms and to help them reduce or stop smoking tobacco.


Quality Statement 6: Treatment With Clozapine
Adults who are admitted to an inpatient setting with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia, and whose symptoms have not responded to previous adequate trials of treatment with two different antipsychotic medications, are offered clozapine.


Quality Statement 7: Treatment With Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotic Medication
Adults who are admitted to an inpatient setting with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia are offered the option of a long-acting injectable antipsychotic medication.


Quality Statement 8: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis
Adults who are admitted to an inpatient setting with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia are offered individual cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis, either in the inpatient setting or as part of a post-discharge care plan.


Quality Statement 9: Family Intervention
Adults who are admitted to an inpatient setting with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia are offered family intervention.


Quality Statement 10: Follow-Up Appointment After Discharge
Adults with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia who are discharged from an inpatient setting have a follow-up appointment within 7 days.


Quality Statement 11: Transitions in Care
Adults with a primary diagnosis of schizophrenia who are discharged from an inpatient setting have a team or provider who is accountable for communication and the coordination and delivery of a care plan that is tailored to their needs.

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