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Predictors of quality of life in people with severe mental illness

Study methodology with baseline analysis in the UK700 trial

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  03 January 2018

Thomas Fahy ,
Andy Kent ,
Theresa Tattan ,
Elizabeth Van Horn  and
Ian White
Thomas Fahy*
Affiliation:
Maudsley Hospital, London
Andy Kent
Affiliation:
St Georges' Hospital Medical School, London
Theresa Tattan
Affiliation:
Manchester Royal Infirmary
Elizabeth Van Horn
Affiliation:
St Mary's Hospital, London
Ian White
Affiliation:
London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine
*
Dr Thomas Fahy, Maudsley Hospital, 103 Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AZ
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Abstract

Background

It is not clear which model of case management is most likely to improve quality of life in people with severe mental illness.

Aims

To use baseline data derived from the UK700 Case Management Trial to assess the relative importance of clinical, social and unmet needs variables as predictors of subjective quality of life in patients with severe mental illness.

Method

Patients (n=708) were assessed on quality of life (Lancashire Quality of Life Profile), needs (Camber well Assessment of Need), psychopathology and social functioning. Variables that were amenable to change through case management were investigated as predictors of quality of life.

Results

Social variables accounted for 7% of the variance for subjective quality of life, compared with 19% for clinical variables, and 20% for unmet needs. The strongest predictors of subjective quality of life were unmet basic, social and functioning needs, depression and positive psychotic symptoms.

Conclusions

Subjective quality of life in severely mentally ill patients is predicted by clinical variables and unmet needs. The results identify priority areas for the attention of case managers who seek to improve quality of life in these patients.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 175 , Issue 5 , November 1999 , pp. 426 - 432
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

Declaration of interest

Funded by the UK NHS Research and Development Programme and the Department of Health.

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