Other Titles

Reducing Patients' Relapse in Psychiatric Illness through Community Empowerment: A Quality Improvement Project [Title Slide]

Abstract

Relapse in schizophrenia poses significant challenges for mental health management, especially in community settings (Almond, et al., 2018; Almuqrin et al., 2023). This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce relapse rates in patients with schizophrenia in Bermuda by leveraging community empowerment and implementing an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model. The project engaged a cohort of 59 high-risk patients and focused on interventions such as medication adherence, social support, vocational activities, and training community members and family in relapse prevention. Over a six-month period, from November 2023 to May 2024, the project sought to decrease relapse rates from 87% to 50%. Key findings indicated significant improvements: 92% of patients adhered to prescribed medication regimens, 98% participated in community job placements, and there was a progressive increase in trained community members (from 50% to 100%). The relapse rate was successfully reduced to 51% by May 2024. These outcomes reflect the efficacy of ACT in supporting schizophrenia patients through community-based, holistic care, and enhancing their recovery and integration (Docherty et al., 2020; Latalova et al., 2021) The project also highlighted the importance of family engagement, regular follow-up with healthcare professionals, and addressing comorbid conditions. Recommendations include sustained community support, improved nursing education, and the implementation of telepsychiatry for wider service accessibility. The findings suggest that adopting the ACT model can significantly improve relapse prevention and mental health outcomes in community settings.

Notes

References:

Almond, S., Knapp, M., Francois, C., Toumi, M., & Brugha, T. (2018). Relapse in schizophrenia: costs, clinical outcomes, and quality of life. The British Journal of Psychiatry, 184(4), 346-351.

Almuqrin, A., Georgiades, A., Mouhitzadeh, K., Rubinic, P., Mechelli, A., & Tognin, S. (2023). The association between psychosocial stress, interpersonal sensitivity, social withdrawal and psychosis relapse: a systematic review. Schizophrenia, 9(1), 22.

Docherty, J.R., & Hung, L. (2020). Factors Influencing relapse in patients with schizophrenia. Journal of Psychiatric Research, 134, 73-80

Government of Bermuda (2023). Men’s Treatment Centre (MTC) Bermuda. Retrieved on 2nd May 2024 from: https://helpingservices.bm

Latalova, K., Kamaradova, D., Prasko, J., & Kolenic, M. (2021). Predictors of Relapse in patients with schizophrenia. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment 17, 103-144

Description

Introduction: Relapse in schizophrenia causes a significant challenge, in managing treatment.

Aim: This quality improvement project aimed to reduce relapse rates in patients with schizophrenia in Bermuda by implementing an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model.

Significance: ACT model enhances patient-centered care, promotes better clinical outcomes through a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, and empowers individuals achieve greater stability and quality of life within communities.

Author Details

Lawal Almustapha Kaura, MSN; Phillisters Wanyama Ariko, Masters; Augustine Ndaimani, PhD; Catherine Uwimana, MSN; Madeleine Mukeshimana, PhD

Sigma Membership

Non-member

Type

Presentation

Format Type

Text-based Document

Study Design/Type

Quality Improvement

Research Approach

Translational Research/Evidence-based Practice

Keywords:

Sustainable Development Goals, Long-term Care, Stress and Coping, Schizophrenia, Mental Health Management, Community Settings, Bermuda

Conference Name

36th International Nursing Research Congress

Conference Host

Sigma Theta Tau International

Conference Location

Seattle, Washington, USA

Conference Year

2025

Rights Holder

All rights reserved by the author(s) and/or publisher(s) listed in this item record unless relinquished in whole or part by a rights notation or a Creative Commons License present in this item record.

Review Type

Abstract Review Only: Reviewed by Event Host

Acquisition

Proxy-submission

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Reducing Patients’ Relapse in Schizophrenia Using a Community Model: A Quality Improvement Project

Seattle, Washington, USA

Relapse in schizophrenia poses significant challenges for mental health management, especially in community settings (Almond, et al., 2018; Almuqrin et al., 2023). This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to reduce relapse rates in patients with schizophrenia in Bermuda by leveraging community empowerment and implementing an Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) model. The project engaged a cohort of 59 high-risk patients and focused on interventions such as medication adherence, social support, vocational activities, and training community members and family in relapse prevention. Over a six-month period, from November 2023 to May 2024, the project sought to decrease relapse rates from 87% to 50%. Key findings indicated significant improvements: 92% of patients adhered to prescribed medication regimens, 98% participated in community job placements, and there was a progressive increase in trained community members (from 50% to 100%). The relapse rate was successfully reduced to 51% by May 2024. These outcomes reflect the efficacy of ACT in supporting schizophrenia patients through community-based, holistic care, and enhancing their recovery and integration (Docherty et al., 2020; Latalova et al., 2021) The project also highlighted the importance of family engagement, regular follow-up with healthcare professionals, and addressing comorbid conditions. Recommendations include sustained community support, improved nursing education, and the implementation of telepsychiatry for wider service accessibility. The findings suggest that adopting the ACT model can significantly improve relapse prevention and mental health outcomes in community settings.