Community re-entry program training module for schizophrenic inpatients improves treatment outcomes

The Community Re-Entry Program (CREP) is a psycho-educational program designed to teach schizophrenic patients self-management skills. This program was implemented during brief hospitalizations for psychotic exacerbations. Our goal was to determine the effectiveness of the CREP in decreasing re-hospitalizations, and increasing adherence with outpatient appointments. Ninety-four inpatients with acute psychosis were randomized to either the CREP, or to a standard series of illness education (IE) classes. Post-discharge, CREP participants were more knowledgeable about illness self-management. Attendance to first psychiatric appointment post-discharge improved for both for both groups. Hospital days were reduced for CREP patients over the year post-discharge.