THE FINNISH NATIONAL SCHIZOPHRENIA PROJECT 1981-1987 - 10-YEAR EVALUATION OF ITS RESULTS

This study reports the 10-year evaluation of the Finnish National Schi zophrenia Project. The aims of the national project were achieved. The number of long-stay schizophrenic patients in psychiatric hospitals d ecreased by 63% between 1982 and 1992. Both the treatment of schizophr enic patients and the structure of mental health services have changed greatly in Finland. Psychosocial treatment methods in particular have developed, The major innovations of the Project are the acute psychos is teams now serving over 50% of the country and social skills trainin g programmes. The 10-year evaluation of the Finnish National Schizophr enia Project shows that it is possible to conduct successfully nation- wide projects to develop the treatment of schizophrenic patients and p sychiatric practices across an entire country.