Utilization of Depot Fluphenazine and Haloperidol in a Community Mental Health Center: A 12-Month Retrospective Analysis of Compliance, Hospitalization Data, and Cost of Care for Patients with Schizophrenia

Abstract

Objectives: This retrospective study investigated the relationship between compliance, hospitalizations rates, and cost of care in an outpatient behavioral health facility over a 12-month period for schizophrenic patients treated with depot antipsychotic medications. Methods: Databases from COPE Behavioral Health Center in Tucson, AZ were utilized for administration of depot injections, hospitalizations, and cost of care for patients between July 1, 2003 and June 30, 2004. Results: Records were utilized for 103 patients receiving depot antipsychotics (n = 34 fluphenazine decanoate, n = 69 haloperidol decanoate). Increased number of injections received per year was associated with lower number of hospitalizations per year (p = 0.025 fluphenazine and p = 0.001 haloperidol). Also, increased number of hospitalizations was associated with increased total cost of care (p = 0.001 fluphenazine and p < 0.001 haloperidol). Implications: Patients with schizophrenia who received a greater number of depot antipsychotic injections had a lower number of hospitalizations during a 12-month period. Improved adherence with depot antipsychotics may improve clinical outcomes and reduce the total cost of care in patients with schizophrenia.