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BMC Psychiatry
Published in: BMC Psychiatry 1/2017

Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Treatment outcomes in schizophrenia: qualitative study of the views of family carers

Authors: Joanne Lloyd, Helen Lloyd, Ray Fitzpatrick, Michele Peters

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2017

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Abstract

Background

Schizophrenia is a complex, heterogeneous disorder, with highly variable treatment outcomes, and relatively little is known about what is important to patients. The aim of the study was to understand treatment outcomes informal carers perceive to be important to people with schizophrenia.

Method

Qualitative interview study with 34 individuals and 8 couples who care for a person with schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed by a thematic framework based approach.

Results

Carers described well-recognised outcomes of importance, alongside more novel outcomes relating to: Safety (of the patient/others); insight (e.g. into non-reality of psychotic phenomena); respite from fear, distress or pain; socially acceptable behaviour; getting out of the house; attainment of life milestones; changes in personality and/or temperament; reduction of vulnerability to stress; and several aspects of physical health.

Conclusions

These findings have the potential to inform the development of patient- or carer- focused outcome measures that take into account the full range of domains that carers feel are important for patients.
Appendix
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Metadata
Title
Treatment outcomes in schizophrenia: qualitative study of the views of family carers
Authors
Joanne Lloyd
Helen Lloyd
Ray Fitzpatrick
Michele Peters
Publication date
01-12-2017
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1418-8

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