Integrated care in schizophrenia: a 2-year randomized controlled study of two community-based treatment programs

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the efficacy of two community-based programs that combined antipsychotic medication, family interventions and social skills training.

Method: A randomized controlled trial with 2 years follow-up. The study included 84 patients with schizophrenic disorders, continuously managed in terms of care and treatment, and regularly assessed. Analysis was by intention-to-treat.

Results: Between-program comparisons showed significantly improved social function and consumer satisfaction in favour of the program 'Integrated Care' (IC) at the 2-year follow-up. The main clinically important differences between the two treatment programs studied were the procedures for shared decision making and patient empowerment in IC.

Conclusion: The implementation of IC in clinical practice can improve social recovery and increase consumer satisfaction for patients with schizophrenic disorders. We identified specific procedures that might be added to improve the effectiveness of any program for severely mental ill people.