Addressing Racial Disparities in Patients with Schizophrenia: Making the Commitment to Do Better

Schizophrenia is a persistent, debilitating disease that depletes individuals and their families of their general well-being, as well as psychosocial and cognitive functioning. Compounding its impact, racial disparities exist in the diagnosis and management of schizophrenia, resulting in racially and ethnically diverse individuals being less likely to have access to mental health services, seek out services, or receive needed care. Racially and ethnically diverse populations, however, are more likely to receive poor quality of care and end services prematurely.

Guided by the perspectives of racially and ethnically diverse individuals living with schizophrenia, the final installment in this CME Outfitters Snack series will provide clinicians with tools and strategies to address racial disparities in the diagnosis and management of schizophrenia, including strategies for improving cultural sensitivity, establishing trust, and engaging patients in shared decision-making.

Learning Objectives
At the end of this CME/CE activity, participants should be able to:
- Implement strategies to address racial disparities in the diagnosis and management of schizophrenia by removing implicit bias, establishing trust, providing education, and engaging in shared decision-making.