Effectiveness of a volunteer befriending programme for patients with schizophrenia: randomised controlled trial. (September 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Priebe, Stefan; Chevalier, Agnes; Hamborg, Thomas; Golden, Eoin; King, Michael; Pistrang, Nancy
• Is Part Of: British journal of psychiatry. Volume 217:Number 3(2020)
• Page Start: 477
• Page End: 483
• Publication Date: 2020-09
• Subjects: Social isolation, -- volunteering, -- psychosis, -- social contacts; Psychiatry -- Periodicals; Psychology, Pathological -- Periodicals; 616.89005
• DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2019.42
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0007-1250

Abstract

Abstract : Background: Befriending by volunteers has the potential to reduce the frequent social isolation of patients with schizophrenia and thus improve health outcomes. However, trial-based evidence for its effectiveness is limited. Aims: To conduct a randomised controlled trial of befriending for patients with schizophrenia or related disorders. Method: Patients were randomised to a befriending programme for 1 year or to receive information about social activities only (trial registration: ISRCTN14021839). Outcomes were assessed masked to allocation at the end of the programme; at 12 months and at a 6-month follow-up. The primary outcome was daily time spent in activities (using the Time Use Survey (TUS)) with intention-to-treat analysis. Results: A total of 124 patients were randomised (63 intervention, 61 active control) and 92 (74%) were followed up at 1 year. In the intervention group, 49 (78%) met a volunteer at least once and 31 (49%) had more than 12 meetings. At 1 year, mean TUS scores were more than three times higher in both groups with no significant difference between them (adjusted difference 8.9, 95% CI −40.7 to 58.5, P = 0.72). There were no significant differences in quality of life, symptoms or self-esteem. However, patients in the intervention group had significantly more social contacts than those in the control group at the end of the 12-month period. This difference held true at the follow-up 6 months later. Conclusions: Although no difference was found on the primary outcome, the findings suggest that befriending may have a lasting effect on increasing social contacts. It may be used more widely to reduce the social isolation of patients with schizophrenia.