Long-acting injectable antipsychotics (LAIs) are crucial for maintaining treatment in individuals with schizophrenia (SCZ) or bipolar I disorder (BP-I), the use of which decreased early in the COVID-19 pandemic due to reduced face-to-face consultations. Telehealth and home-based treatment options gained prominence, and mental healthcare services adapted by implementing infection control measures and exploring alternative delivery models, such as drive-through clinics and at-home services, to ensure continuity of care for patients who rely on LAIs.

This report summarizes a roundtable discussion with experts, who emphasized that integrated collaborative care remains crucial for supporting individuals with SCZ or BP-I. Telepsychiatry and other virtual healthcare approaches are expected to continue post-pandemic, providing a hybrid model that incorporates shared decision-making and trauma-informed care. The panel recommended further adoption of collaborative-care strategies, including involving patients and caregivers in discussions about LAI treatment. They also addressed potential barriers such as transportation and financial assistance. The roundtable concluded that maintaining regular, routine contact with healthcare teams and ensuring access to LAIs is key to preventing relapse and improving outcomes for individuals with SCZ or BP-I during and after the pandemic.

Reference: Correll CU, Chepke C, Gionfriddo P,. The post COVID-19 healthcare landscape and the use of long-acting injectable antipsychotics for individuals with schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder: the importance of an integrated collaborative-care approach. BMC Psychiatry. 2022;22(1):32. doi: 10.1186/s12888-022-03685-w.