Development and evaluation effectiveness of interprofessional service package for promoting social participation of...

Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability worldwide. This disability is more important in patients with severe mental disorders due to the gradual onset and progression, tendency to relapse, and reduced functioning. Considering these factors affect reentry of these patients into society, social participation is an important issue in most countries. For this purpose, this study will be carried out with the aim of developing and evaluation effectiveness of an interprofessional service package for promoting social participation of patients with severe mental disorders (SMD).

This mixed-methods sequential exploratory study will be conducted in three phases. In the first phase, analysis the situation will be done through literature review and interviews with patients, family caregivers, and mental health professionals. At the end of this phase components the initial draft of the service package will be designed. In the second phase, the final version of the service package will be determined through Delphi method. In the third phase, effectiveness of implementing the service package for promoting social participation of SMD patients will be evaluated by conducting a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) study (42 patients in each group). Data gathering tools will be ICF-APP and (WHOQOL-BREF) instruments in the time intervals of one week, 8 weeks and three and six months after being discharged from psychiatric wards. Data will be analyzed by using t-test and ANOVA through IBM SPSS Statistics, Version 26.0.

Implementing this service package and its integration into decision-making and policymaking processes will take a significant step toward improving the quality of life for individuals with mental disorders and their caregivers after discharge from psychiatric wards.