The Effect of Case Management for Schizophrenia Clients in China

Background: The aim at this study is to establish the effectiveness of case management (CM) compared to care as usual (CAU) in patients with schizophrenia. Methods: 128 patients with schizophrenia were recruited from the community of Haidian District (Beijing, China), 68 patients in the CM group and 60 patients in the CAU group. Efficacy and safety information were assessed at one year follow-up. The relapse rate was similar in both groups after 12 months followed up (7% and 5%). The withdraw rate was significant lower in CM group compared with CAU group (10% and 36%). Results: There is no significant difference in PANSS, PSP and SSMI score between 2 groups at each visit. Between endpoint and baseline, there is a significant improvement on PANSS negative score and PSP in patients treated with CM, while CAU group was not significantly changed. Conclusions: There is a possible effectiveness of CM group of improving negative symptoms and social function in schizophrenia clients.