Effects of group psychoeducation (GPE) on compliance with scheduled clinic appointments in a neuro-psychiatric hospital in southwest Nigeria: a randomised control trial (RCT).
BACKGROUND
The aim of this study was to find out the effects of group psychoeducation (GPE) on the scheduled clinic appointments of patients admitted for psychosis and depression after discharge from hospital.


METHODS
A randomised controlled trial (RCT) of 4 sessions of GPE delivered while the patients were admitted was conducted and compared to no session of GPE with the usual care. This RCT was conducted in a 60-bed state reference neuropsychiatric hospital in Southwest of Nigeria. The study population consisted of 48 admitted patients for psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia and depression. Twenty-five patients admitted were randomly selected to undergo 4 sessions of GPE before discharge from hospital, and 23 patients were randomly selected to receive regular medication and care without undergoing GPE. Both groups were then followed for 9 months on clinic days to measure compliance with scheduled appointments. Main outcome was measured by the number of clinic appointments kept within the period of study after discharge from hospital.


RESULTS
Patients in the treatment group were consistently more compliant with scheduled clinic appointments than those in the experimental group (P = 0.0009, DF = 34; t-test at 95% CI). There was also no significant difference in compliance with visits among patients with different diagnoses (treatment group; P = 0.90, DF = 12, experimental group; P = 0.33, DF = 11).


CONCLUSIONS
GPE is effective in improving patients' compliance with scheduled clinic appointments after discharge for a period of 9 months. GPE can be used as part of treatment package for all psychiatric diagnoses and it has no age bias.
Agara
Abiodun Jackson
AJ
Royal Oldham Hospital, Oldham, Lancashire, UK.
Onibi
Oluyemisi Evelyn
OE
D000328:Adult; D000359:Aftercare / Q000379:methods / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001071:Appointments and Schedules; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006778:Hospitals, Psychiatric / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009549:Nigeria; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000628:therapy*