Unit for women with schizophrenia in a community mental health service: Description of current and projected programs and quality evaluation measures

Abstract

Introduction Women with schizophrenia require health interventions and safe spaces sufficiently different from those of men. Objectives To describe units in two mental health outpatient services specialized in the treatment of women with schizophrenia and related disorders. Methods Two units in Spain projected to treat women with schizophrenia and related disorders - Community Mental Health Programs (CMHU Rambla, CMHU Sant Cugat) will be described. Recruitment, assessment, intervention, and evaluation and satisfaction measures will be characterized, and the need to build-in safety precautions (policy/structural). Results Demographics:(Preliminary 2021 data on the two services). Patients attending (CMHU): 3,393. Forty-five per cent diagnosed with severe mental illness. Schizophrenia and related disorders: 873 patients. 58% women. Staffing projected: 2 psychiatrists, 2 nurses, 1 clinical psychologist, 2 social workers. Physical structure: Safe spaces for women/children. Programs (offered currently and in planning stages): 1)Therapeutic Drug Monitoring/Adherence, 2)Individual/group patient/family sessions, 3)Perinatal Mental Health (preconception, pregnancy, lactation, postpartum, parent training/support), 4)Collaborative programs (primary care, medical specialties especially obstetrics/gynecology and endocrinology, trauma specialists, addiction experts), 5)prevention/intervention of suicide risk, 6)social services (single mothers, family issues, domestic abuse, sexual exploitation) 7)home-based services, 8)peer support, 9)physical activity, 10)psychoeducation for patients and families. Planned quality evaluation measures: diagnostic assessment (reliability, long-term validity);regular treatment effectiveness evaluation (individualization of treatment plans, assessment of adverse effects of drugs, screening for metabolic syndrome/ physical health, family intervention, psychoeducation (individual/group) assessment of suicidal ideation and global functioning. Conclusions Specific services for women with schizophrenia and related disorders represent an important resource to improve patient well-being and offer clinical care leading to individual recovery. Disclosure of Interest None Declared