The Effects of the Finnish National Schizophrenia Program (1981-7) on Treatment and Rehabilitation of Long-Stay Mental Patients

Abstract

The implementation and evaluation of the Finnish National Schizophrenia Program (I98I-7) concerning treatment and rehabilitation of long-stay patients is described. The results of the Program were evaluated by (I) national statistics, (2) questionnaire data sent to leading workers of hospital districts and (3) placement data of a follow-up sample consisting of I30 long- stay schizophrenic patients. The Finnish National Schizophrenia Program was a success in the sense that its rehabilitation models were widely applied and accepted during the I0-year period. The number of long-stay patients was greatly reduced and the majority was successfully placed in the community. Because of the comprehensiveness of the Program there is no clear way of estimating the 'real' effects of the Program from the 'natural' development without the Program. The problems of evaluation of comprehensive programs are discussed.