Implementation and evaluation of a psychoeducation program in an outpatient mental health center

Background Psychoeducation has been shown to improve patient attitudes toward medication. Problem A rural mental health agency did not provide a medication psychoeducation group. Medication nonadherence can lead to early psychiatric readmission. Methods An 8-week program of group psychoeducation was delivered to clients with severe and persistent mental illness. The Beliefs about Medications Questionnaire measured changes in patient attitudes toward medication. Results Patient satisfaction was high, even though results showed no significant change in attitudes toward medication. Implications Future programs might consider different outcome measures, including rates of post-group medication adherence and/or measures of the quality of the therapeutic relationship, which is the most robust indicator of treatment success.