By Mike Beattie
Ahead of World Schizophrenia Day on May 24, a team of researchers at St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton hosted the hospital’s first Schizophrenia Awareness Day on May 15, 2024. The event brought together scientists, clinicians, learners, donors, community partners, and hospital leadership in an academic-style conference to highlight new treatments, strategies, and the latest science on schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
About 1 in 300 people struggle with schizophrenia spectrum disorders, which can affect all areas of one’s life – from personal functioning and family relationships, to work and education. Because of this, schizophrenia is highly stigmatized. But with effective treatment, we can make significant, positive impacts in our community.
As the second largest provider of mental health services in Ontario – and the largest to provide acute care – St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton is home to numerous clinical and research staff members, as well as dedicated clinics, for the study and treatment of schizophrenia spectrum disorders.
“The Schizophrenia Outpatient Clinic and the Cleghorn Early Intervention Clinic at St. Joe’s are key to addressing a broad range of concerns for those suffering from schizophrenia spectrum disorders in our community,” said Dr. Randi McCabe, Interim Vice-President, Mental Health and Addictions Program at St. Joe’s and Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University. “These services focus on providing the continuum of care that individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders may need to support their recovery, from first episode psychosis, to follow up treatment and counselling, family supports, and ultimately community integration.”
Schizophrenia Awareness Day – an academic conference-style event – opened with the 31st Jock Cleghorn Memorial Lecture, named in honour of Dr. John Marnoch “Jock” Cleghorn, a pioneer in early interventions for psychotic disorders. The lecture, which returned to an in-person format after four years as a virtual event amid the pandemic, featured special guest lecturer Dr. Michael Best from the University of Toronto.
“We were so thrilled to be hosting the Cleghorn lecture in-person after so many years virtually,” said Dr. Heather McNeely, Clinical Lead for Neuropsychology and Academic Lead in the Schizophrenia and Community Integration Service at St. Joe’s. She is also a Professor and the Academic Lead of the Schizophrenia Division within the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences at McMaster University.
Together with the other conference-style events of the inaugural Schizophrenia Awareness Day, St. Joe’s saw an impressive turnout of schizophrenia professionals, students, and community partners.
“After working through the pandemic, in-person events like these can really rekindle the sense of community among our researchers and clinicians,” said Dr. McNeely.
Following the Cleghorn lecture, attendees were invited to a research poster showcase and networking session, where students presented their exciting research projects and community partners showcased their efforts to improve care, reduce stigma, and support patient and their families.
“At our Research Snapshots session, presenters discussed subjects ranging from the latest in biological perspectives of cognitive functioning in schizophrenia, to new support models that dramatically reduce healthcare costs and improve recovery, to feasibility and effectiveness studies on the implementation of promising new therapies – all of which were connected by the pursuit of knowledge that provides hope for those living with schizophrenia spectrum disorders and their families,” said Dr. McCabe, who acted as master of ceremonies.
In addition to the sessions hosted by St. Joe’s, the event featured the kickoff of the nationwide Mental Health Tour by Boehringer Ingelheim, an immersive medical education experience that aims to raise awareness about schizophrenia and cognitive health amongst healthcare practitioners.
St. Joe’s staff, including psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, and other stakeholders, were invited to participate in the Mental Health Tour, which was designed in part by Dr. McNeely.
“Designing the stations for the immersive experience was a team effort that included clinicians and a person with lived experience of schizophrenia,” said Dr. McNeely. “Our goal was to raise awareness and empathy for people experiencing cognitive impairment associated with schizophrenia. We hope the Mental Health Tour will serve as a platform for dialogue, education, and collaboration.”
Traveling from coast to coast in a custom Airstream trailer, the Mental Health Tour will be making nine additional stops from British Columbia to Atlantic Canada.
“By reducing stigma and increasing the public’s understanding of schizophrenia spectrum disorders, we can help our patients seek help sooner, recover faster, and minimize recurrences,” said Dr. McNeely. “It all starts with education.”