Managing auditory hallucination symptoms in patients with schizophrenia in China: a best practice implementation project

INTRODUCTION: Auditory hallucinations, persistent and distressing symptoms in patients with schizophrenia, are often poorly controlled by antipsychotics. Structured non-pharmacological interventions remain limited in routine clinical practice. AIM: This study aimed to identify the challenges in translating evidence for managing auditory hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia, develop change strategies, and evaluate the effectiveness of best evidence application. METHODS: Using an evidence translation model, this study applied best practice evidence to inpatients with schizophrenia admitted to the general psychiatry ward of a tertiary psychiatric hospital in Shanghai. The intervention was conducted in four phases: evidence acquisition, baseline review, practice change, and outcome evaluation. This study compared the implementation rates of audit indicators for auditory hallucination symptom management by nurses; their knowledge, attitude, and practice levels regarding relevant knowledge; and the of auditory hallucination symptoms in patients with schizophrenia between the baseline review period (June-October 2023) and the post-evidence-based practice period (January-May 2024). RESULTS: The baseline review included 35 nurses and 61 patients, while the evidence-based practice included 35 nurses and 72 patients. After implementing evidence-based strategies, statistically significant improvements compared with baseline values (p < 0.05) were noted in the compliance rates of 30 audit indicators; nurses' knowledge, attitude, and practice levels regarding auditory hallucination symptom management; and severity of patients' auditory hallucinations. CONCLUSIONS: The application of best evidence in managing auditory hallucinations in patients with schizophrenia can enhance nursing practices, including nurses' knowledge and confidence, and effectively reduce the severity of patients' auditory hallucinations. SPANISH ABSTRACT: http://links.lww.com/IJEBH/A573.