A proposal for surveillance and case registry of schizophrenia in Ontario

Abstract

Schizophrenia is an illness causing impairment in thinking and functioning in many realms of everyday life. It is considered one of the most disabling of mental illnesses. This thesis considers the impact of schizophrenia in Ontario, including elevated mortality, degree of disability, economic impact. Some known risk factors for schizophrenia are increasingly common in Ontario, such as urban exposure, and a history of immigration. The impact of the illness in Ontario makes schizophrenia a good candidate for surveillance and case registry in this province. This thesis reviews the required elements of a surveillance system, including case definition and potential data sources and applies them to surveillance of schizophrenia in Ontario. The thesis then proposes a surveillance system and linked case registry based on combined OHIP, discharge abstract and mental health care administrative data, and outlines the necessary steps in implementation and evaluation of the system.