Learning Objective #1: Enhance understanding of changes in the health care system during the last two decades in Finland

Learning Objective #2: Be aware of the quality of life of patients with mental problems and its meaning to their overall well-being

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Background: Mental problems are a national concern in Finland. People with mental problems are a significant group of the population who receive disability pension and periods of sickness allowance. For example, schizophrenia is a high cost illness due to the long-term nature of care and expensive medications, the cost of which has risen 21% in Finland during the last 5 years. Lack of compliance often results in hospitalization disturbing everyday lives of patients and their families, social relationships, and quality of life.

Objective: To describe the quality of life in psychiatric patients living in out-patient units.

Design: A survey was conducted in one Finnish out-patient unit.

Population: Patients (n = 427) who lived in out-patient units and were at least 18 years, willing and capable were asked to participate into the study, and 163 did so.

Methods: The data was collected by interviewing patients using a Quality of Life Questionnaire (MANSA).

Results: Patients were quite satisfied with their general quality of life at the out-patient rehabilitation units. They gave the highest score to their family relationships. Those who had any kind of work value it as well. On the contrary, those who had no work opportunities had a low level of quality of life. Patients were dissatisfied with their financial situation, and mental health.

Conclusions: Although mental illness disturbs the everyday lives of patients and their families, patients can build satisfactory social relationships at out-patient rehabilitation units. However, if people with mental problems have no relevant working opportunities, this may increase poverty and exclusion from the society.

Implications: Tailored educational and work opportunities should be developed to people with mental problems in order to enhance their opportunities to survive in their everyday life at the society and to increase their quality of life.