A systematic review of the impact of admission to a psychiatric hospital
on quality of life in patients with a First Episode Psychosis
Abstract
Introduction: Quality of Life (QoL) is an important outcome
measure for people with a first episode psychosis (FEP). Despite high
numbers of patients being admitted to psychiatric hospitals following an
FEP, the impact of hospital admission on outcome measures such as QoL is
under-investigated. This study aimed to systematically review evidence
of the impact of hospital admission on QoL in patients with an FEP.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted in line with the
PRISMA Guidelines. PsychINFO, Medline, CINAHL and EMBASE were searched
from 2000 to 2022, examining the impact of QoL for people with an FEP
following a hospital admission. Quantitative, qualitative and mixed
methods studies were included in the search. Study quality was assessed
using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool. Data was analysed using
narrative synthesis. Results: Seven hundred and eight two
abstracts were found. Fifty-three full texts were reviewed. Data was
extracted for eight articles. Across the eight studies, four discrete
QoL measures were employed. Results showed that QoL scores were
consistent over time, with little statistical change from baseline to
follow-up. Across studies, participants reported low average QoL scores.
Across studies, information on the treatment components and duration of
hospital admission were scarce. Conclusion: There is a relative
paucity of studies that have examined QoL in relation to hospital
admission. QoL scores remained consistent over time, suggesting that QoL
is relatively well preserved at the first episode. Further research is
needed on the impact of inpatient-based interventions in FEP.