Objective: The authors sought to develop a model educational clinic and curriculum for psychiatric residents, to increase knowledge and comfort about clozapine prescribing. This matters because clozapine is an important evidence-based treatment for refractory schizophrenia that remains underutilized in clinical practice.
Method: This is a description of how the Clozapine Clinic of the Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) Schizophrenia Program was integrated into the curriculum of the MGH-McLean Adult Psychiatric Residency.
Results: PGY-II residents participated in a weekly clozapine clinic with direct patient contact and accompanying curriculum-based instruction for a 6-week period. The method of teaching by participating in a dedicated Clozapine Clinic received favorable feedback. Residents' knowledge about clozapine increased.
Conclusion: Residency programs should determine whether their trainees receive sufficient training in the use of clozapine and consider setting up clozapine clinics where feasible.