According to Stijn Tersmette, programme coordinator of the GeestKracht (mental strength) programme with ZonMw (Netherlands Organisation for Health Research and Development),"this solid knowledge synthesis shows that a number of interventions have proven to be effective, even if the evidence base is somewhat thin in a number of cases. The expert meeting on this study has shed light on where additional research is needed, and what all the parties have to do in regard to the further implementation of effective rehabilitation interventions." www.kenniscentrumrehabilitatie.nl |
More research needed on rehabilitation programmesIn the Netherlands, an estimated 78,000 people are receiving 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. |
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The problem speaks for itself: most people who suffer from long-term mental health problems find themselves socially isolated. The solution to the problem is less clear. How are these people to live a normal life – just like everybody else – with meaningful occupations, their own home, a good social network and suitable education opportunities? read more >> |
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Meanwhile, numerous programmes have been developed in all these domains, and have been pilot-tested and implemented in various projects. In some cases, the effectiveness has been evaluated, but often this has not been the case. 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 is not to say that these methods are ineffective. But it does show that additional research is needed in this area. The research will have to be both qualitative and quantitative. This will enable the generation of hard data, such as on the number of 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 the research is, in addition to a ‘classic’ effectiveness study, to also invest in research on ways to optimize the implementation of rehabilitation methods.
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'Promising interventions should be examined more thoroughly!'"Harry Michon, [programme coordinator??] points out it is remarkable how much research has been initiated in the area of rehabilitation during the past ten years. It is to be hoped that the accumulated knowledge will be used in research on and the further development of promising interventions. This is important to provide targeted support for people with serious mental health issues in finding a future perspective."
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