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01-04-2020 | Original Paper

Assertive Community Programs for Patients with Severe Mental Disorders: Are Benefits Sustained After Discharge?

Authors: Sonia Vidal, Nader Perroud, Leire Correa, Philippe Huguelet

Published in: Community Mental Health Journal | Issue 3/2020

Abstract

The benefits of assertive community treatment (ACT) on patients with severe mental disorders are well established over short or medium term. However, studies that investigate long term outcomes are remarkably scarce. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate patient’s long term clinical and psychosocial evolution after discharge from ACT. An assessment was conducted on 29 patients characterized by inpatient facilities heavy use and refusal of care, who were included in an ACT program 8.7 (SD = 0.7) years ago and discharged 6.3 (SD = 1.8) years ago. Results of the follow up showed decreased rates of hospitalizations and symptomatology, as well as sustained improvement in adherence to care, in quality of life and in social functioning. This data suggests that ACT programs can help refractory to care patients to gain clinical and psychosocial improvement and lay foundation for better long-term adherence to care. Results also suggest that ACT didn’t imply a lifetime treatment.

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Title: Assertive Community Programs for Patients with Severe Mental Disorders: Are Benefits Sustained After Discharge?
Authors: Sonia Vidal
Nader Perroud
Leire Correa
Philippe Huguelet
Publication date: 01-04-2020
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Community Mental Health Journal / Issue 3/2020
Print ISSN: 0010-3853
Electronic ISSN: 1573-2789
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10597-019-00513-6

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Assertive Community Programs for Patients with Severe Mental Disorders: Are Benefits Sustained After Discharge?

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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