Adjust teaching sessions to the appropriate phase of the patient’s illness
–If the patient is exhibiting psychotic symptoms for the first time, talk with the family members about the diagnosis of
schizophrenia and what they can do to support the patient at this time
–When the patient is less symptomatic and able to absorb information, talk with him/her about schizophrenia and what he/
she needs to do to manage it
–As the prescribed medication regimen is introduced, educate the patient on purposes of the drugs, dosage, timing,
routes of administration, potential adverse effects, and potential food/drug interactions; include family members in this
educational session and reinforce the information each time the patient is given a medication