Rehabilitation programmes and quality of life in severe mental illness

Quality of life is increasingly identified as a key outcome measure for evaluating the efficacy of community mental health services and novel antipsychotics. However, there is a relative paucity of research on the impact of rehabilitation programmes on quality of life. This report outlines the results of two 'naturalistic' studies carried out in a catchment area psychiatric service to evaluate the benefits associated with a supported employment programme and a psychosocial/educational intervention. The findings suggest that outpatient based programmes which provide opportunities for vocational or prevocational rehabilitation may have significant quality of life benefits for individuals with severe mental illness.