OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to evaluate long-term effects of a community-based, quality of life oriented psychoeducational intervention for schizophrenia with and without booster sessions. METHOD: One hundred and three outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder completed a 9-weekpsychoeducational programme. At the end of the programme groups were block-randomised to either an extension programme comprising monthly booster sessions for a further nine months (booster condition) or routine clinical care with no further group meetings (non-booster condition). Outcome measures were applied before and after the seminar and at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS:Positive effects were observed after the short-term 9-week programme with regard to symptoms, knowledge about the illness, illness concept, control convictions and quality of life. These effects were retained over the 12-month period in both conditions. The only relevant difference between the booster and the non-booster conditions concerned external control convictions. CONCLUSION: Overall this 9-week programme has shown encouraging effects still present at 12 months after baseline independent of booster or non-booster conditions. Further studies are needed to explore whether a subgroup of patients, those with impaired neurocognitive and social functioning, can benefit significantly from booster sessions.
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OBJECTIVE: In this study we aimed to evaluate long-term effects of a community-based, quality of life oriented psychoeducational intervention for schizophrenia with and without booster sessions. METHOD: One hundred and three outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder completed a 9-week psychoeducational programme. At the end of the programme groups were block-randomised to either an extension programme comprising monthly booster sessions for a further nine months (booster condition) or routine clinical care with no further group meetings (non-booster condition). Outcome measures were applied before and after the seminar and at 6 and 12 months. RESULTS: Positive effects were observed after the short-term 9-week programme with regard to symptoms, knowledge about the illness, illness concept, control convictions and quality of life. These effects were retained over the 12-month period in both conditions. The only relevant difference between the booster and the non-booster conditions concerned external control convictions. CONCLUSION: Overall this 9-week programme has shown encouraging effects still present at 12 months after baseline independent of booster or non-booster conditions. Further studies are needed to explore whether a subgroup of patients, those with impaired neurocognitive and social functioning, can benefit significantly from booster sessions.
Authors: Anneli Pitkänen; Maritta Välimäki; Lauri Kuosmanen; Jouko Katajisto; Marita Koivunen; Heli Hätönen; Anita Patel; Martin Knapp Journal: Qual Life Res Date: 2011-06-08 Impact factor: 4.147
Authors: Ercolie R Bossema; Cynthia A J de Haar; Willemijn Westerhuis; Bas P F Beenackers; Bernadette C E M Blom; Melanie C M Appels; Chris J van Oeveren Journal: Prim Care Companion CNS Disord Date: 2011