[Evaluating the effect of continuous care on quality of life in discharged schizophrenic patients from Sina educational and medical center, Hamedan]

ABSTRACT

Considering chronic nature of schizophrenia and failure of current plans, developing an effective continuous care model is needed. One of the methods to promote quality of life is applying continues care nursing model. The present study aimed at evaluating the effects of continuous care model on quality of life of schizophrenic patients in Hamadan. All 36 patients have been selected based on inclusion criteria [census], and divided randomly in two similar control and interventional groups of research. The data gathered from demographic, [QLS alpha=0.81] questionnaires and control check list [alpha=0.92]. The orientation and sensitivization phases of the model applied on the interventional group in the hospital [6 sessions of education, A quasi-experimental study was conducted with a sample of 36 schizophrenic patients. They have been drawn from Sina Hospital, among 89 patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The participants were allocated to two groups of control and intervention through simple random allocation. Data were collected using questionnaires of Heinrich Quality of Life and self-control check list. Continuous care model was applied for intervention group through orientation and sensitivization [six educational sessions two times a week] in hospitals, then control and evaluation [6 home visits two times a week] at their home. Data were analyzed using independent T-test, paired T-test and analysis of variance. There was no significant difference between quality of life mean scores of two groups prior to the intervention [P>0.05]. After the intervention, mean score of quality of life in interpersonal relationship was significantly different [P=0.03] but Independent T-test didn't show any significant differences between groups in spite of increased scores of quality of life and its dimensions in intervention group [P>0.05]. The study demonstrated the effect of continuous care model on interpersonal relationship. Since improving interpersonal relationship is the most important aim of care for chronic patients, and it could consequently have an effect on other dimensions of quality of life, using the model could improve total quality of life and other dimensions. Results of present study and similar studies illustrate the necessity of providing nursing care after discharge for chronically ill patients. It could decrease the relapse rate and hospitalization, besides valuable impact on their quality of life