Patient education methods to support quality of life and functional ability among patients with schizophrenia: A randomised clinical trial

Anneli Pitkänen, Maritta Anneli Vaelimaeki, Lauri Kuosmanen, Jouko Katajisto, Marita Koivunen, Heli Hätönen, Anita Patel, Martin Knapp

Research output: Journal article publicationJournal articleAcademic researchpeer-review

32 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to estimate the effectiveness of patient education methods on quality of life and functional impairment of patients with schizophrenia. Methods: A multicentre, randomized controlled trial was carried out in two psychiatric hospitals in Finland from March 2005 to October 2007. A total of 311 patients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia, schizotypal disorder or delusional disorder were randomly allocated to computer-based patient education (n = 100), conventional education with standard leaflets (n = 106) and standard treatment (n = 105). Participants were followed up 12 months later. Primary outcome was quality of life (Q-LES-Q-SF) and secondary outcome was functional disability (SDS). Analysis was performed by intention-to-treat. This study is registered, number ISRCTN74919979. Results: Patients' global quality of life improved and functional disability decreased significantly in all education groups over the follow-up time. There were no significant differences between groups in these outcomes. Conclusions: In light of the findings there is no evidence to support a particular education method as the best way to improve patients' quality of life or improve functional ability. On the other hand, no intervention was found to be harmful. Thus computer-based patient education may be a suitable alternative for some patients. While information technology will be more widely used in societies, computer-based intervention may be beneficial for some patients with serious mental disorders. 2011.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)247-256
Number of pages10
JournalQuality of Life Research
Volume21
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Mar 2012
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Patient education
  • Quality of life
  • Randomized controlled trial
  • Schizophrenia

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

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