The impact of a rehabilitation day centre program for persons suffering from schizophrenia on quality of life, social functioning and self-esteem.

BACKGROUND Presently few studies demonstrate improved outcomes in patients with schizophrenia treated in day rehabilitation centres. One reason is the absence of an evidence based protocol for rehabilitation in such centres. Hence further research is required to assess whether such a protocol will improve psychosocial outcomes. AIMS We performed a controlled evaluation study of a protocol based rehabilitation day program (RDC) for persons suffering from schizophrenia. METHODS Patients from the experimental group (N=50) were treated within the RDC for a 6 month period. The control group were patients on the waiting list for the RDC. Quality of life (MANSA), social functioning (OSA) and self-esteem (Rosenberg) were measured before and after the intervention. RESULTS Statistically significant improvement was shown in social functioning measured by OSA (F(1,96)=33.7; p<0.001), quality of life measured by MANSA (F(1,96)=69.3; p<0.001) and self esteem measured by Rosenberg scale (F(1,96)=84.5; p<0.001) for patients treated in the RDC compared with the control group, conversely, the control group outcomes deteriorated. CONCLUSION An evidence based protocol for rehabilitation within the RDC lead to improved social outcomes and recovery for persons suffering from schizophrenia.