title: Improving the social cognitive deficits of schizophrenia: a community trial of Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT).
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Social Cognition and Interaction Training (SCIT) is a Cognitive and Behavioural Therapy (CBT) informed group therapy with an emerging evidence base in addressing the social cognitive deficits associated with schizophrenia. This paper evaluates the application of this therapy within a community public mental health setting in Australia.
  
  
  METHODS
  A mixed methods approach to the evaluation was undertaken, including survey data and thematic analysis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Considerable challenges were met in the trial of SCIT in this 'real-world' setting. The qualitative data suggested that at least a subset of participants viewed the program as valuable and relevant to their needs.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Further research is required to realise the benefits of SCIT found in research settings, in the real world of public community psychiatric practice.
authors.affiliation: Baillie Henderson Hospital, Toowoomba, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Stephen
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Parker
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Foley
authors.forename: Philippa
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: Frances
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Dark
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003156:Community Mental Health Services; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010352:Patient Dropouts; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D012919:Social Behavior
keywords: Social Cognition and Interaction Training; group therapy; mental health; schizophrenia; social cognitive deficits