Multidisciplinary integrated approach to mental illness: Semi-residential setting and quality of life

BACKGROUND: In psychiatric rehabilitation, the day center is the semi-residential structure of the Department of Mental Health taking care of patients with chronic psychiatric illness. The study aims to estimate the impact of a multi- disciplinary integrated approach on the QoL, important parameter in long-term treatment. METHODS: The observational study assesses a total of thirty-five patients of a psychiatric day center, recruited from September 2014 to April 2015. Patients have been evaluated using the Italian version of the BPRS (Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale) and the WHOQOL-BREF. The study also provides a psychoeducational intervention about oral health, performed by dental hygienists. RESULTS: The data show that the presence of somatic diseases and the need for nursing support have a statistically significant correlation with the score of QoL. Adherence to local projects concerning the psychoeducation on oral health and the development of therapeutic gardens shows an increase in QoL Scores. CONCLUSION: A somatic approach to mental disease and to different factors that determine the QoL appears to be important in treatment programs. The observation of a correlation between the QoL and the factors involved is essential to formulate a program that can really increase the value of the subjective perception of patients about their existential condition.