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Open Access 01-12-2021 | Schizophrenia | Research article

Telemedical care and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: results of a randomized controlled trial

Authors: Ulrike Stentzel, Neeltje van den Berg, Kilson Moon, Lara N. Schulze, Josephine Schulte, Jens M. Langosch, Wolfgang Hoffmann, Hans J. Grabe

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2021

Abstract

Background

Schizophrenia and bipolar disorder are serious psychiatric disorders with a high disease burden, a high number of years of life lived with disability and a high risk for relapses and re-hospitalizations. Besides, both diseases are often accompanied with a reduced quality of life (QoL). A low level of quality of life is one predictor for relapses. This study examines whether a telemedical care program can improve QoL.

Methods

Post stationary telemedical care of patients with severe psychiatric disorders” (Tecla) is a prospective controlled randomized intervention trial to implement and evaluate a telemedical care concept for patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Participants were randomized to an intervention or a control group. The intervention group received telemedical care including regular, individualized telephone calls and SMS-messages. QoL was measured with the German version of the WHOQOL-BREF. Effects of telemedicine on QoL after 6 months and treatment*time interactions were calculated using linear regressions (GLM and linear mixed models).

Results

One hundred eighteen participants were recruited, thereof 57.6% men (n = 68). Participants were on average 43 years old (SD 13). The treatment*time interaction was not significant. Hence, treatment had no significant effect either. Instead, gender is an influencing factor. Further analysis showed that social support, the GAF-level and QoL-values at baselines were significant determinants for the improvement of QoL.

Conclusion

The telemedicine care concept Tecla was not significant for QoL in patients with severe psychiatric disorders. More important for the QoL is the general social support and the level of global functioning of the patients.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00008548, registered 21 May 2015 – retrospectively registered, https://www.drks.de/drks_web/setLocale_EN.do

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Title: Telemedical care and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: results of a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ulrike Stentzel
Neeltje van den Berg
Kilson Moon
Lara N. Schulze
Josephine Schulte
Jens M. Langosch
Wolfgang Hoffmann
Hans J. Grabe
Publication date: 01-12-2021
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Schizophrenia
Care
Telemedicine
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2021
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-021-03318-8

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Telemedical care and quality of life in patients with schizophrenia and bipolar disorder: results of a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusion

Trial registration

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