In this study we aimed to evaluate long-term effects of a community-based, quality of life oriented psychoeducational intervention for schizophrenia with and without booster sessions.

One hundred and three outpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder completed a 9-week psychoeducational programme. At the end of the programme groups were block-randomised to either an extension programme comprising monthly booster sessions for a further nine months (booster condition) or routine clinical care with no further group meetings (non-booster condition). Outcome measures were applied before and after the seminar and at 6 and 12months.

Positive effects were observed after the short-term 9-week programme with regard to symptoms, knowledge about the illness, illness concept, control convictions and quality of life. These effects were retained over the 12-month period in both conditions. The only relevant difference between the booster and the non-booster conditions concerned external control convictions.

Overall this 9-week programme has shown encouraging effects still present at 12months after baseline independent of booster or non-booster conditions. Further studies are needed to explore whether a subgroup of patients, those with impaired neurocognitive and social functioning, can benefit significantly from booster sessions.