Evidence-based nursing – treatment of people with schizophrenia

The following report is one in a series of publications on the topic of evidence-based nursing, produced jointly by SBU and the Swedish Nurses Association (SSF). The series corresponds to the subjects covered by SBU assessment reports and aims to present scientific evidence on the role of nursing in these contexts.

Evidence-based nursing has been a familiar concept internationally for several years. Applying evidence-based nursing in practice involves using findings from scientific studies to complement other knowledge for the purpose of delivering the best possible nursing care. Both quantitative and qualitative studies provide such findings.

Obviously, evidence-based nursing alone does not hold all of the answers to good nursing care. Evidence from relevant research must be combined with knowledge about the needs and experiences of individual patients, and the specific situation at hand.

The report shows, eg, that current scientific evidence is limited and weak. Therefore, much more research is needed in the Swedish healthcare system on the role and importance of the nurse in treating patients with schizophrenia.

We hope that this report will increase the interest in conducting research in this field, and that it will be used as educational material and a source of reference.

The report has not been reviewed by the SBU Board of Directors or the SBU Scientific Advisory Committee. The authors alone are responsible for the content.

Financial support for the reports on Evidence-Based Nursing in Treatment of People With Depression and Evidence-Based Nursing in Treatment of People With Schizophrenia was received from Vårdalstiftelsen.