A CENTRALIZED SYSTEM FOR MONITORING CLOZAPINE USE IN BRITISH-COLUMBIA

The Clozapine Resource Centre in British Columbia is a centralized inf ormation source for all physicians wishing to prescribe clozapine and also performs back-up hematological and compliance monitoring. Laborat ories fax weekly hematology results to physicians and to the center. T he center enters results in a national database and compiles twice-wee kly noncompliance reports; physicians are notified of abnormal results , and caregivers of noncompliance. The centralized system obviates the practice in some jurisdictions of hiring case coordinators to oversee these procedures and may reduce physician reluctance to prescribe clo zapine. It improves coordination among monitoring and treatment partie s and ensures better continuity of care.