CLOZAPINE THERAPY IN A STATE-HOSPITAL - PATIENT-CARE AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS

This study assessed the effectiveness and costs of clozapine use with persons experiencing refractory chronic schizophrenia in a state hospi tal environment, All patients (112) placed on clozapine therapy betwee n May 1990 and March 1992, and who remained on or were discontinued fr om clozapine therapy and not restarted were followed. Discharge rates, incidents and hours of seclusion and restraint, incidents and hours o f authorized leave and scores on the Modified Nurses Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation (NOSIE) were collected. The results found th at few discharged patients returned to the hospital and lower communit y maintenance costs produced substantial savings in overall public sup port costs. Clozapine therapy is a cost effective alternative for the treatment of refractory schizophrenia.