Intervention program to improve executive functions of patients with chronic schizophrenia

2022 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 19K19611
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 58060:Clinical nursing-related
• Research Institution: Tokiwa University
• Principal Investigator: Fukuta Daisuke 常磐大学, 看護学部, 准教授 (40777546)
• Project Period (FY): 2019-04-01 – 2023-03-31
• Keywords: 統合失調症 / 慢性期 / 実行機能 / 看護介入プログラム

Outline of Final Research Achievements

This study aimed to examine the effects of an intervention program to improve the executive functions of patients with chronic schizophrenia. The program consisted of six sessions with 30-45 min each twice per week for over 2 weeks. The Behavioral Assessment of Dysexecutive Syndrome (BADS) was used to assess the executive functions pre- and post-intervention. Post-intervention total BADS score and its three subtests were significantly higher than pre-intervention scores (p < 0.05). This program improves planning ability, and cognitive flexibility, focusing on assessing the problems interfering with daily activities in the community of patients with chronic schizophrenia. Study results revealed that this program is useful and effective in improving the executive functions of patients with chronic schizophrenia. Psychiatric mental health nurses should consider the program in terms of improving executive dysfunction, the process of promoting insight, and mental health recovery.

Free Research Field

精神看護学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究では慢性期にある統合失調症者の日常生活に焦点をあて、エビデンスに基づく介入プログラムを実施した。本プログラムを用いることで、統合失調症者の実行機能と思考の柔軟性、プランニング能力の向上につながる新たな知見を得ることができた。統合失調症者が地域生活を送るために必要となる服薬管理や家事、運動習慣、感染予防などに関わる手段的な日常生活動作の向上を支援する看護介入として、臨床実践における活用可能性が示唆された。