The Usefulness of the Theory of Planned Behaviour in Informing the Factors Contributing to Prescribing in Schizophrenia

Abstract

This study investigated the factors that influence prescribing decision making among psychiatrists and nurse prescribers responsible for the management of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The first objective of the study was to analyse the views, beliefs, and experiences of psychiatrists who work in the UK and are involved in the treatment or management of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. The second objective was to collect credible data in support of the first objective. The third objective was to evaluate the results of the study and to identify the implications of these results for psychiatric prescribing practice, related guidelines, and to make appropriate recommendations for the improvement of prescribing practices. The study employed a qualitative research design in which a series of interviews were conducted for the collection of primary data. The study has identified the clinical skills, professional experience and education, information (clinical research), understanding of the expectations and values of the patients, and personal and unique concerns of the patients as the most important factors that affect the prescribing decisions of professionals working with schizophrenia patients. The major conclusion of this study is that clinical skills play an important role in the prescribing and treatment of schizophrenia.