Assignment 3: Briefing Note

Dipal Brahmbhatt (8891195)

Aditya Dhiman (8834582)

Preethi Bala (8860993)

Parthkumar Gudaliya (8881114)

Shiv Bhatt (8894146)

Healthcare Administration and Service Management, Conestoga College

COMM8140: Strategic Communications for the Health Care Professionals

Professor - Carly Cassolato

February 24, 2024

Purpose:

The purpose of this briefing note is to present a comprehensive plan aimed at mitigating and

addressing the adverse side effects of schizophrenia medication in elderly individuals residing at

Schlegel Village, The Village of Winston Park. Our proposal outlines a collaborative community

health initiative that integrates education, consultation, and collaborative efforts to improve the

quality of life for elderly residents.

Issue:

The rising incidence of schizophrenia among elderly individuals in long-term care homes has

resulted in an increase in adverse medication responses. These adverse effects range from mild

sedation, weight gain, and acute dystonias to life-threatening myocarditis (Stroup & Gray, 2018).

This briefing note emphasizes the need to address this issue to mitigate the severity of symptoms

in elderly people with schizophrenia.

Background:

In older adults with schizophrenia, the mortality rate and deaths caused by suicide and

accidents are higher than in healthy peers; they face a two to three times higher mortality risk

than the general population (Khan & Rajji, 2019). Managing these adverse effects of the

medication is a significant concern for long-term care homes as it affects the health of elderly

individuals. The estimation that one-quarter of Canada's population will be 65 years or older

within the next decade increases the urgency of our community engagement initiative. (Neuman,

2022).

Schizophrenia drugs frequently cause significant side effects that jeopardize physical

health, reduce quality of life, and impair cognitive ability (Khan & Rajji, 2019). It highlights the
importance of taking proactive measures to address the specific healthcare needs of the aging

population, particularly those living in long-term care institutions such as Schlegel Village.

Current Situation:

The prolonged institutionalization exacerbates cognitive decline among those over 65 years old,

further complicating medication management (Khan & Rajji, 2019). Additionally, significant

knowledge and resource gaps among healthcare staff in long-term care facilities hinder the

effective management of these side effects (Kehyayan et al., 2021). This emphasizes the need for

a targeted approach to this issue. Addressing these challenges requires evidence-based

interventions and collaborative efforts to improve the quality of life.

Key Considerations:

 Evidence-Based Approach: According to our plan, we will implement interventions

and suggestions based on evidence and proven practices in geriatric psychiatry and

pharmacotherapy. This will guarantee that the suggested actions are not just efficient but

also safe for individuals dealing with schizophrenia. By following strategies backed by

evidence, we can build trust among stakeholders, such as healthcare providers, residents,

and families, about the credibility and dependability of the suggested interventions.

 Treatment Adherence and Administration: The importance of nursing staff in

providing treatment to patients underscores the necessity for support and proper

implementation of our engagement plan and oversight to maintain treatment compliance.

This will underscore the significance of an effort among healthcare providers, caregivers,
 and support personnel to help patients actively participate in their treatment regimen

(Nibbio et al., 2020).

 Timeline: For the effective implementation of the engagement plan, the timeline is

divided into three stages; firstly, the "Inform" phase (February to July 2024) involves

sharing materials. Secondly, during the "Consult" phase (August 2024 to January 2025),

feedback will be gathered through focus groups and surveys. Lastly, a multidisciplinary

team will create a comprehensive plan in the "Collaborate" phase (February to July

2025).

Options and recommendations:

Suggestions to address this issue and improve the well-being of schizophrenia patients at

Schlegel Village, we think it is essential to conduct medication assessments involving various

teams, provide staff training on managing side effects, offer non-drug therapies and social

support, enhance communication methods, and continuously monitor and evaluate the outcomes.

These measures will elevate residents' care levels, enhance their quality of life, and contribute to

their welfare.
References

Kehyayan, V., Chen, J. and Hirdes, J.P., (2021). Profile of Residents with Mental Disorders in

Canadian Long-Term Care Facilities: A Cross-Sectional Study. Journal of Long Term Care.

https://storage.googleapis.com/jnl-lse-j-jltc-files/journals/1/articles/47/submission/proof/47-1-

863-1-10-20210601.pdf

Khan, W. U., & Rajji, T. K. (2019). Schizophrenia in Later Life: Patient Characteristics and

Treatment Strategies. Psychiatric Times.https://www.psychiatrictimes.com/view/schizophrenia-

later-life-patient-characteristics-and-treatment-strategies

Neuman, K. (2022, December 20). 2022 NIA Ageing in Canada Survey. Environics Institute.

https://www.environicsinstitute.org/projects/project-details/2022-nia-ageing-in-canada-survey
Stroup, T. S., & Gray, N. (2018). Management of common adverse effects of antipsychotic

medications. World Psychiatry https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6127750/

Nibbio G, Barlati S, Cacciani P, Corsini P, Mosca A, Ceraso A, Deste G, Vita A.

Evidence-Based Integrated Intervention in Patients with Schizophrenia: A Pilot Study of

Feasibility and Effectiveness in a Real-World Rehabilitation Setting. Int J Environ Res

Public Health. 2020 May 12;17(10):3352.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7277196/