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 A new Web-based treatment algorithm will be available in January 2005 to help clinicians determine the best medication for patients with schizophrenia. A team of international psychopharmacologists led by Herbert Meltzer, MD of Vanderbuilt University Medical Center recently completed the new algorithm designed to offer clinicians a resource as they make treatment decisions.
The project is called the International Psychopharmacology Algorithm Project (IPAP) with the goal of developing new Web-based tools to improve the treatment of psychiatric disorders. Using an evidence-based approach to the treatment of schizophrenia, clinicians can have a resource as they make decisions in standard situations, as well as in crises like suicidality, violence, and severe drug side effects. The value of the algorithms was recently acknowledged by the World Health Organization (WHO), which has committed to establishing a Web link to the algorithms from its Web site. This will allow clinicians and patients worldwide to access the algorithms. The IPAP team are developing versions of the algorithm for countries that may not have certain medications available to them as yet.
The IPAP points out that being Web-based, the IPAP algorithms can also be easily adapted to reflect the results of the most recent research advances -- a problem inherent in print-based algorithms. While algorithms are often considered "best practice," they always need to be considered in the context of an individual patient's needs. These are designed as guidelines and not meant to replace clinical judgment.
The IPAP Algorithn is available at www.ipap.org.
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