Using HIPAA compliant email to close gaps in schizophrenic spectrum care

Schizophrenia can be a terrifying disorder for patients to face, a fact that is especially true when statistics like the fact that only 26% of patients with the condition receive minimally effective treatment. The prominent gaps in care can result in isolation during treatment that negatively impacts treatment efficacy with patients adopting a demotivated attitude towards care. 

Understanding the gaps in schizophrenic spectrum care

The gaps in care for schizophrenia spectrum care go beyond access to medication management. Many patients with schizophrenia also face serious comorbid conditions like depression and substance use disorders. These disorders are exasperated by the feeling of isolation previously mentioned. 

A recent news article from the American Psychiatric Association provides commentary from Natalie Bareis, Ph. D. on the matter, “...persistent high rates of poverty, unemployment, and poor functioning suggest that existing treatment and social welfare approaches are not meeting the needs of many people with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Policies to improve access to and use of existing evidence-based interventions are essential.”

When including prevalent and ever present social factors like poverty and unemployment that affect many, the issue goes beyond purely medical. Through fragmented systems, patients often slip through the cracks and become part of negative statistics. 

How to use email to navigate these gaps

Coordinating care

• In order for care to become more collaborative and consistent, different providers like psychiatrists and case managers, have to communicate. 
• Whether it be initial contact, emergencies, or treatment and support, HIPAA compliant email allows for consistent and secure communication as cases are handled. 
  
  

Access to resources

• Resources are often hard to find. Referrals and educational material can make a huge difference in providing patients with information about the disorder and the means to create a support system. 
• Email also makes it easier to connect patients with external support like connecting them with social workers to address the issues that make coping with their mental health even more difficult.
  
  

Patient engagement

• Regular communication with patients can provide a lifeline at times when it is most necessary. 
• This communication can take simple forms, this includes appointment reminders, symptom check ins, and discussions about potential medication contradictions. 
  
  

Family involvement

• For patients with supportive families and communities, email provides a way for mental health practitioners to include family in the patients' care. 
• Informing these individuals about available resources like group therapy sessions, therapy can be improved. 

Related: Using text messaging for social support

Addressing comorbidity

• Patients often do not understand the relationship between comorbid conditions and their interaction with schizophrenia. 
• Email allows for the distribution of resources related to understanding these comorbidities in a manner that won’t overwhelm patients. 

Related: Top 12 HIPAA compliant email services

FAQs

What is a comorbid disorder? 

A medical condition that occurs alongside a primary condition. 

What are the requirements for a patient's family to be informed about their condition? 

The patient has to give consent for patients to receive any information related to their health unless the patient is a minor or in a situation where the law allows disclosure like a power of attorney. 

What is telemedicine and how can it benefit mental healthcare?

Telemedicine is the use of technology to provide healthcare remotely. When used in mental healthcare, there is an increase in access to treatment especially in underserved areas and those with mobility issues.