Patient subjective experience of treatment with long-acting injectable antipsychotics: a systematic review of qualitative studies

ABSTRACT Objective: To gain a better understanding of how long-acting injectable antipsychotic (LAI) therapy is perceived by patients. Methods: A search for qualitative studies has been carried out on PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO and PsycArticles, yielding 11 studies suitable for a review of qualitative studies. The reporting approach chosen was meta-ethnography, following the ENTREQ statement recommendations. Key concepts common to the different studies were extrapolated and then analysed in a systematic and comparative way. Results: Some recurrent issues were associated with LAIs, such as fear of coercion, fear of needles and lack of knowledge about depot therapy. These topics are linked to each other and the patients most concerned about the disadvantages of LAIs are those who are less informed about them, or who have experienced coercion and trauma during hospitalisation. On the other hand, patients who had already received LAIs, and those who had a good therapeutic relationship with their healthcare providers expressed satisfaction with this form of treatment and its continuation. Conclusion: Long-acting injectable antipsychotics are a tool in the management of mental disorders, and a viable alternative to oral medication. Patients show curiosity towards this method of administration, but lack of knowledge is a common finding. Shared decision making about the use of LAIs antipsychotics requires that patients receive accurate information and support for their decision regarding medication. RESUMO Objetivo: Compreender melhor de que forma a terapia com antipsicóticos injetáveis de ação prolongada (IAP) é percebida pelos pacientes. Métodos: Uma pesquisa por estudos qualitativos foi conduzida em PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO e PsyArticles, resultando em 11 estudos adequados para desenvolver uma revisão de estudos qualitativos. A abordagem escolhida foi a metaetnografia, seguindo as recomendações da diretriz ENTREQ. Conceitos-chave comuns aos diferentes estudos foram extrapolados e analisados de forma sistemática e comparativa. Resultados: Alguns problemas recorrentes foram associados aos IAPs, como medo de coerção, medo de agulhas e falta de conhecimento sobre a terapia com medicação depot. Esses tópicos se conectam uns aos outros: os pacientes mais preocupados com as desvantagens dos IAPs são os menos informados a seu respeito ou aqueles que passaram por coação e traumas durante a hospitalização. Por outro lado, os pacientes que já receberam IAPs