Development of a Continuing Care Model to Reduce Recurrence in Schizophrenia Patients

Abstract

Schizophrenia is a chronic psychiatric disorder. The patient must be treated continuously, especially with psychiatric drugs. The objective of this study was to develop a model for continuum of care for schizophrenia patients. It was conducted in Palian district, Trang province. The study samples were schizophrenia patients aged over 15 years old who attended out-patient clinic of Palian Hospital during the study perion from January 2013 to December 2014. The care framework was applied from the 7-step mental health technological research from Department of Mental Health, Monistry of Public Health. A main strategy was the provision of medical care through a psychiatric mobile clinic that improve the accessibility of treatment by the patients. Data was collected using a follow-up record form. Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF) scale and WHO Quality of Life - BREF (WHOQOL - BREF) were applied; and data were analyzed by using t-test and Chi Square test. There were 42 schizophrenia patients participating the study. It was found that the service model was effective in improving treatment outcomes which included regular medicine uptake, increased activity participation, and better global functioning and quality of life scores. The relapse and referral rates were significantly reduced resulting in better quality of life and reduction of the severity of the patients. The model should be scaled-up and widerly promoted to cover other forms of psychiatric illnesses.