Partnering with community pharmacies to enhance access to long-acting injectable antipsychotics in Washington State

Project Type(s):

Principal Investigator(s):
Co-Investigator(s):

Medication nonadherence is common among patients with serious mental illness, including schizophrenia. The use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIAs) for schizophrenia is an evidence-based practice that improves medication adherence, decreases symptomatic recurrence and reduces hospitalizations. However, patients and clinicians often face several challenges in access and coordination resulting in the underutilization of LAIAs in care.

Administering LAIAs at community pharmacies could potentially increase accessibility, reduce barriers for treatment and improve patient outcomes. This project aims to assess the fit or compatibility of LAIA administration in community pharmacies. We will survey community pharmacy staff and behavioral healthcare providers in Washington State to assess the acceptability, appropriateness and feasibility of LAIA administration in community pharmacies. If LAIA administration at community pharmacies is found to be a good fit, the next steps will be to develop strategies to support implementation. A scalable and adoptable model for administering LAIAs at community pharmacies could have substantial impacts on public health through increasing access to treatment and expanding behavioral health services at the community level and in rural areas.

Project Period:
January 1, 2024 — December 31, 2024

Funding Type(s):
Philanthropy

Funder(s):
Garvey Institute for Brain Health Solutions

Research Program(s):

Geographic Area(s):
Washington

Practice Type(s):
Outpatient, Rural

Patient Population(s):
Adults

Targeted Condition(s):
Serious Mental Illness