Treatment outcome indicators of schizophrenia according to Brazilian family caregivers and outpatients

Abstract

Background and objective: The need to measure treatment outcomes in mental health services from the perspective of users and family members has been highlighted in the literature as a fundamental aspect to improve the care provided. The objective of this study was to measure the treatment outcome provided by a Brazilian Psychosocial Care Center from the perspective of outpatients and their family members.

Methods: A correlational study was performed with 84 outpatients and 40 family members, between 2015 and 2016, interviewing them using the Satisfaction (SATIS-BR), Perception of Change (PCS), Independent Living Skills (ILSS) and Family Burden (FBIS-BR) scales.

Results: There was a high index of satisfaction with the mental health service, with a mean of 4.23 for the users interviewed and 4.36 for the family members. The perception of change presented a mean of 2.58 for the patients and 2.19 for the family members. The independent living ability presented a mean of 2.52.

Conclusions: The high indices of satisfaction suggest successes, as well as points to be improved in the mental health policy implemented in the municipality. However, reintegration into the labor market was presented as an aspect with a need for investments through health and labor policies, since it was related to the subjective burden.