Initiation of aripiprazole once-monthly via a two‑injection start in adult patients diagnosed with schizophrenia: real-world experiences of healthcare professionals from five European countries

Abstract Background The aripiprazole once-monthly 400 mg two-injection start (AOM 400-TIS) enables treatment initiation at a single clinic visit, without the need for 14 days of concurrent oral aripiprazole supplementation. Previously, results from a survey outlined the views and experiences of healthcare professionals (HCPs) with the AOM 400-TIS in a real-world setting in Europe. The current work extends these findings to include a broader pool of participants from more European countries. Methods This was a non-interventional, cross-sectional survey of HCPs from Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom, Denmark, and Sweden. Participants were licensed nurses/physicians with experience prescribing and/or administering the AOM 400-TIS to patients diagnosed with schizophrenia. Two waves of survey data were pooled and analysed using descriptive methods. Results Data from 229 HCPs were evaluated. Poor treatment adherence (88.6%), relapse (51.1%), and patient preference (47.6%) were common reasons for using the AOM 400-TIS, while patients not wanting two injections at the same time (52.4%) and concerns about safety (34.1%) and tolerability (33.6%) were common barriers. Among HCPs, 86.0% agreed/strongly agreed they were satisfied with outcomes of patients treated with the AOM 400-TIS, with most agreeing/strongly agreeing that patients appeared satisfied in general (73.4%) and with sustained quality of life and functioning (66.4%). Conclusions This survey provides a pan-European account of HCPs’ views and experiences with the AOM 400-TIS in adults diagnosed with schizophrenia. Initiatives to overcome barriers to AOM 400-TIS use include providing clearer evidence and education on its efficacy and safety and consideration of how the regimen is presented in patient−provider discussions.