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The Impact of Education Groups for People with Schizophrenia on Social Functioning and Quality of Life

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Jacqueline M. Atkinson ,
Denise A. Coia ,
W. Harper Gilmour  and
Janice P. Harper
Jacqueline M. Atkinson*
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, University of Glasgow
Denise A. Coia
Affiliation:
Community and Mental Health Trust, Glasgow
W. Harper Gilmour
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, University of Glasgow
Janice P. Harper
Affiliation:
Department of Public Health, University of Glasgow
*
Dr J. M. Atkinson, Department of Public Health, University of Glasgow, 2 Lilybank Gardens, Glasgow G12 8RZ. Fax: 0141 330 5018
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Abstract

Background

Education groups for people with schizophrenia have tended to concentrate on compliance with medication. This study examines impact on social behaviour and quality of life.

Method

A catchment-wide service was set up for community-based patients. Patients who indicated an interest in education groups were randomly allocated to either an education group or a waiting list control group. Those who attended groups were compared with the control group.

Results

About one-quarter of community-based patients showed interest in attending education groups. Those who attended showed no change in mental state or compliance with medication (already high) but significant gains in quality of life, social functioning and social networks.

Conclusions

For patients who choose to attend education groups significant gains in social functioning and quality of life are possible without specific skills training.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 168 , Issue 2 , February 1996 , pp. 199 - 204
Copyright
Copyright © 1996 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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