People with schizophrenia and their families, caregivers, and personal supports should receive services respectful of their rights and dignity that promote self-determination toward mental health and well-being. Despite this, we know there are significant gaps in the quality of care people with schizophrenia receive in Ontario. They also encounter stigma, beliefs, and attitudes leading to negative stereotyping, affecting their ability to tell friends and family about their illness and access to health care services.

Health Quality Ontario developed quality standards for adults in hospital which Waypoint began implementing in 2019. The initial focus was on long–acting injectables and clozapine, best-evidence medications, as well as cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) and family intervention. 

Cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis, in addition to antipsychotic medication, can reduce symptom severity and re-hospitalization rates in people with schizophrenia. Family intervention aims to improve support and resilience, and enhance the quality of communication and problem solving with the family, caregivers, and personal supports. Both of these interventions support people with schizophrenia and their families, helping them cope, and to develop skills and strategies to get and stay healthy, and prevent relapse. 

While the COVID-19 pandemic has presented challenges in continuing to offer these therapies due to staff redeployments and shifting priorities, Waypoint remains committed to improving care and creating the ideal patient experience for people with schizophrenia.