2679 – A Mixed Methods Approach: Perception and Practice in Managing Schizophrenia in Malaysia Among Levels of Service Provider in Hospital

Abstract

Objectives:

The aim of this study is to investigate the “Hospital Service providers” perception, attitude and actual practice in managing schizophrenia in Malaysia.

Method:

In this study, it was designed as a mixed -methods study. in the first phase, quantitative surveys have been implemented among 42 service providers. in the second phase, the descriptive qualitative study method was also used.

Result:

The questionnaires designed to gather the data relating to the respondent satisfied in managing Schizophrenia in Malaysia. Thirty five (or 83.3%) of the respondents are satisfied with the current Schizophrenic overall management, but twenty one (or 50.1%) of the respondents does not satisfy with current psychosocial interventions available in Malaysia. The qualitative found that, the psychiatrists responded that they are satisfied with current use of atypical antipsychotic in the hospitals but they are concerned with the lack of community services particularly in the university hospitals. The medical officers and general practitioners responded that they received many patients who were brought by their families to see them in outpatient clinic. However, many doctors failed to diagnose the disorder as they have a lack of training in diagnosing mental illness diseases. This is mainly due to misperception about mental illness particularly in rural areas among the Malay population.

Conclusion:

The study concluded that more community awareness program needs to be done which emphasis on mental illness to reduce the duration of untreated illness and ensure active roles of family members in supervision of treatment.