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Improving Quality of Life by Increasing Social Activity
Improving Quality of Life by Increasing Social Activity
Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service
Abstract
The experience of the Early Psychosis Intervention Service (EPIS) team and feedback from consumers and their families confirm that the positive symptoms of psychosis respond well to antipsychotic medications. However many young EPIS consumers are left with persistent and disabling negative symptoms. Evidence of the disabling effects and poorer outcomes for individuals with significant negative symptoms has been well documented in the literature (Dennis et al 2000). Of particular concern has been the impact of negative symptoms on the consumer’s level of social activity. A Clinical Practice Improvement Project team was formed that included consumers and carers. The team investigated the nature of the problem and aimed to find ways of increasing social activity. Outcomes of the project included a range of strategies to address the problem.
This project was entered in the 2007 NSW Health Awards, Making Prevention Everybody's Business category.
The full entry document can be downloaded in the formats listed below:
Attachments
Tools to get started
EPIS Survey (Word - 28 KB) - A survey for the clients to assess their level of interest.- Family Survey (Word - 29 KB) - A survey of social activity of EPIS clients given to families and carers.
- Project team invitation flier (Word - 34 KB) - A flier outlining the project and inviting consumers to join in the project team.
- Invitation (Word - 38 KB) - Invtiation to family members of EPIS clients to attend the launch of carer project.
Planning and Implementation
- Meeting 1 June 2006 (Word - 36 KB) - Mintues of the project team meeting, defining mission statement and discussion of causes of low social activity.
- Consumer focus group (Word - 26 KB) - Minutes of the Consumer focus group workshop, 1 June 2006.
- Carer focus group (Word - 25 KB) - Minutes of the Carer focus group workshop, 7 June 2006.
- Review of Cause & Effect of Low Social Activity & Solutions (Word - 32 KB) - Minutes of the CPI Project :Increasing Social Activity Meeting, 30 October 2006, outlining issues and solutions.
NIGHTWORKS Brochure (pdf - 147 KB) - Brochure for consumers describing the Nightworks program.
Contact
Acting Manager Accreditation, Clinical Governance Unit
Northern Sydney Central Coast Area Health Service
Ph: 02 4320 3748
