Effectiveness and Replicability of Modules for Teaching Social and Instrumental Skills to the Severely Mentally Ill

Objective: This study evaluated the effectiveness and replicability of psychoeducational modules designed to improve the social and instrumental competencies of severely mentally ill patients.

Method: Staff in seven facilities used the modules to teach 108 severely mentally ill patients. Staff received 2 days of formal training followed by periodic consultation. Each module's effectiveness was measured by a test of the patients' knowledge and performance of the skills taught in that module. Staff's adherence to the instructional techniques specified in the modules was measured by directly observing them and assessing the fidelity of their behaviors to those specified in the modules.

Results: The patients' skills significantly improved and were maintained during a 1-year follow-up, and staff accurately followed the modules with minimal consultation.

Conclusions: These training modules are effective and replicable techniques for teaching social and instrumental skills to severely mentally ill patients. The modules can be easily disseminated to a variety of facilities and used as components in a comprehensive rehabilitation program.