Successful long-term schizophrenia management should aim at delivery of information about the disease, treatment adherence support, cognitive decline prevention and family atmosphere improvement. We introduce clinically-based 6-week structured integrated program for out-patients with schizophrenia-spectrum disorders in the stabilization phase of the treatment. It consists of the new psychoeducational program PREDUKA (Patient and Relatives Education), life style improvement intervention, social skills training, cognitive remediation and information technology aided relapse prevention program (ITAREPS).

To assess the feasibility and effectiveness we designed one-year prospective follow-up field study.

Preliminary analyses (N=71; first episode N=29) on baseline and 6-week outcomes data on psychopathology (PANSS) and quality of life (Schwartz Outcomes Scale-10, WHO-QOL-BREF and Social Integration Survey) showed significant improvement in PANSS total score and all PANSS domains scores. Compared to healthy controls quality of life was lower in patients including those with first episode. Immediately after the program quality of life improved significantly; in Group activities, Appropriateness and Hygiene domains reached normal controls.

Our short-term data suggest that participation at the program early after discharge is beneficial as it improves quality of life, prevents social isolation and early non-compliance and ensures continuity of care.

This project was supported by CNS 2005-2009 1M000237520 MSMT CR and VZCR MZ0PCP 2005