Jl. Dennis et al., CLOZAPINE THERAPY IN A STATE-HOSPITAL - PATIENT-CARE AND POLICY IMPLICATIONS, Administration and policy in mental health, 24(1), 1996, pp. 39-52
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.