Family education for people with schizophrenia in Beijing, China - Randomised controlled trial

Background Much of China lacks well-developed services for people with schizophrenia and their families, and most of the existing services focus on hospitals. There is a need for culturally sensitive family treatments offered by nurses. Aims To conduct a longitudinal experimental study examining the effect of patient and family education in a sample of Chinese people with schizophrenia. Method A randomised controlled trial was conducted in a large hospital with a sample of 101 patients with schizophrenia and their families. Data were collected at admission and at discharge, and then at 3 and 9 months after discharge.The intervention group received family education, and data on their knowledge about schizophrenia, symptoms, functioning, psychosocial behaviour, relapse and medication adherence were collected and compared with the control group. Results There was a significant improvement in knowledge about schizophrenia in the experimental group and a significant difference in symptom scores and functioning at 9 months after discharge. Patients who were non-adherent to medication regimens were more likely to relapse. Conclusions Family education on schizophrenia by nurses in China was effective in improving knowledge and promoting improvement in patients' symptoms. Declaration of interest None. Funding detailed in Acknowledgements.