Schizophrenia Relapse Reduction Disease Management

Gettysburg, PA, Sept. 30, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OPEN MINDS announced Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. has released a new Frameworks in Health and Quality program, The Schizophrenia Relapse Reduction Program . The program features free resources designed to support all stakeholders, payers, health care providers, consumers, and caregivers to reduce relapse in consumers with schizophrenia.

“The Schizophrenia Relapse Reduction Program is an important addition to our Frameworks in Health and Quality program offerings,” said Heidi Waters, Director of Outcomes Management, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc. “With issues on how to address emerging clinical and payer dynamics as they relate to schizophrenia relapse reduction, and the costs associated with schizophrenia, this program provides free information on strategies to reduce relapse for consumers with schizophrenia.”

The Frameworks in Health and Quality: Schizophrenia Relapse Reduction Program is designed to provide resources to support education and decision making around schizophrenia relapses and treatment. It includes topics such as medication adherence, medication reconciliation, and transition of care support. It also reports current trends in population health management and health system services for the management of schizophrenia. These resources were created specifically to meet the needs of those involved in caring for consumers with schizophrenia:

• Health Care Providers – Resources focus on screenings, referrals, and case studies on intervention development and managing schizophrenia relapse reduction.
• Health Plans – Resources provide information on potential opportunities for health care quality improvement that may be derived from HEDIS® and National Quality Forum (NQF)-endorsed measures, perspectives, and overviews.
• Consumers & Caregivers – Resources focus on understanding schizophrenia and strategies for reducing schizophrenia relapses.

Schizophrenia is a chronic, relapsing, and disabling disorder characterized by symptoms such as hallucinations, disorganized thinking, affective flattening, lack of emotion, apathy, and social withdrawl. ¹ The risk of relapse for those diagnosed with schizophrenia within one year is as high as 50% and the rate of relapse after five years is high as 80%, making long-term therapy goals difficult to reach. ^2,3

The Schizophrenia Relapse Reduction Program emphasizes the importance of enhanced communication among its stakeholders. It aims to drive action and awareness around schizophrenia treatment management. It encourages appropriate referrals to mental health specialists, and it ensures quality measures. The program’s resources are for its payers, members of care teams, consumers, and their caregivers. The program is designed to help support patient wellness, reducing the severity of symptoms, and reducing the risk of future relapses.

Learn more and access the free resources on the Frameworks in Health & Quality website at https://frameworkshealth.org/programs/sz/

1. American Psychiatric Association. Depressive disorders. In: Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders , 5th ed. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Association; 2013:155-188

2. Schennach R, et al. Psychiatr Serv . 2012; 63(1):87-90.

3. Robinson D, et al. Arch Gen Psychiatry . 1999; 56(3):241-247.

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About The Frameworks In Health & Quality Program

At Otsuka, we are passionate about making a difference in the lives of people suffering with serious mental illness, cancer, and other serious health conditions. That is why, in addition to our medicines, we offer educational resources and disease management programs to help key stakeholders improve quality of care for patients.

The Frameworks in Health and Quality programs are born out of Otsuka’s dedication to provide leading insights in the diseases we treat and education about optimal management of these diseases. Each program provides a set of educational resources for payers, members of care teams, and patients and their caregivers. These resources emphasize patient wellness and educate about the disease and ways to manage it.

Frameworks resources are intended for informational purposes only and are intended for healthcare professional. They are not intended as, nor are they a substitute for, medical care, advice, or professional diagnosis. Healthcare professionals should use their independent medical judgement when considering Framework educational resources. Users seeking medical advice should consult with a health care professional. Frameworks resources are not intended as reimbursement or legal advice. You should seek independent, qualified professional advice to ensure that your organization is in compliance with the complex legal and regulatory requirements governing health care services, and that treatment decisions are made consistent with the applicable standards of care.

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About OPEN MINDS

OPEN MINDS is an award-winning information source, executive education provider, and business solutions firm specializing in the post-acute health and human service markets. For thirty years, we’ve been pioneers for change – helping organizations implement the transformational business practices they need to succeed in an evolving market with new policies and regulations.

OPEN MINDS is powered by a national team of experienced executives and subject matter experts with specific expertise in the post-acute health care market. Our mission is to improve the quality of care for individuals with complex support needs by improving the effectiveness of those serving them – provider organizations, payer and insurance organizations, government agencies, pharmaceutical organizations, and technology firms. Learn more at www.openminds.com.

© 2017 Otsuka Pharmaceutical Development & Commercialization, Inc.               MRC2.UNB.X.00157

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