Unit for women with schizophrenia in a community mental health service: Description of current and projected programs and quality evaluation measures

INTRODUCTION: Women with schizophrenia require health interventions and safe spaces sufficiently different from those of men. OBJECTIVES: To describe units in two mental health outpatient services specialized in the treatment of women with schizophrenia and related disorders. METHODS: Two units in Spain projected to treat women with schizophrenia and related disorders - Community Mental Health Programs (CMHU Rambla, CMHU Sant Cugat) will be described. Recruitment, assessment, intervention, and evaluation and satisfaction measures will be characterized, and the need to build-in safety precautions (policy/structural). RESULTS: Demographics:(Preliminary 2021 data on the two services). Patients attending (CMHU): 3,393. Forty-five per cent diagnosed with severe mental illness. Schizophrenia and related disorders: 873 patients. 58% women. Staffing projected: 2 psychiatrists, 2 nurses, 1 clinical psychologist, 2 social workers. Physical structure: Safe spaces for women/children. Programs (offered currently and in planning stages): 1)Therapeutic Drug Monitoring/Adherence, 2)Individual/group patient/family sessions, 3)Perinatal Mental Health (preconception, pregnancy, lactation, postpartum, parent training/support), 4)Collaborative programs (primary care, medical specialties especially obstetrics/gynecology and endocrinology, trauma specialists, addiction experts), 5)prevention/intervention of suicide risk, 6)social services (single mothers, family issues, domestic abuse, sexual exploitation) 7)home-based services, 8)peer support, 9)physical activity, 10)psychoeducation for patients and families. Planned quality evaluation measures: diagnostic assessment (reliability, long-term validity);regular treatment effectiveness evaluation (individualization of treatment plans, assessment of adverse effects of drugs, screening for metabolic syndrome/ physical health, family intervention, psychoeducation (individual/group) assessment of suicidal ideation and global functioning. CONCLUSIONS: Specific services for women with schizophrenia and related disorders represent an important resource to improve patient well-being and offer clinical care leading to individual recovery. DISCLOSURE OF INTEREST: None Declared