In the Netherlands, an estimated 78,000 people receive long-term care for serious psychiatric problems. Numerous programmes now exist to support this group in relation to work, independent living, education and establishing social contacts. However, a good deal of research is required to evaluate the effectiveness of these programmes.
The problem is evident: most people who suffer from long-term mental health problems find themselves socially isolated. The solution to the problem is less clear. How can people with mental health problems lead a life – just like everybody else – with meaningful occupations, their own home, a good social network and suitable education opportunities?
Numerous programmes have been initiated in these domains, and have been pilot-tested and implemented in various projects. Only in some cases the effectiveness has been evaluated. This is clear from the review conducted by the Trimbos Institute and the Kenniscentrum Rehabilitatie (Centre of Expertise on Rehabilitation) in 2008 of 52 current and completed studies on well-known and less well-known rehabilitation methods, programmes and projects.
The review shows that even in the case of programmes that have been studied scientifically, the effectiveness of rehabilitation, specifically, has not always been established. This does not mean that these methods are ineffective. But it shows that additional research is needed in this area. This research will have to be both qualitative and quantitative. This will provide hard data on the number of e.g. people who have found work or a daily occupation, as well as other findings such as information about perceived quality of life and empowerment.
One of the recommendations of this review, in addition to a ‘classic’ effectiveness study, is to conduct research how to optimize the implementation of rehabilitation methods.
