Evaluation of Lehman's Brief Quality of Life Interview in Assessing Outcome in Psychiatric Rehabilitation in People with Severe and Persistent Mental Disorder

Abstract

Lehman's Brief Quality of Life Interview (QOLI) was administered to psychiatric rehabilitation program clients 6 times at 6-month intervals. Participants were individuals with predominantly psychotic-type diagnoses. Results showed no change over time and few gender differences. No change over time indicates no improvement but also no deterioration in this chronic population. Correlations between test times indicated that the subjective scales were relatively stable in comparison to the objective scales. Results indicate that the QOLI has poor sensitivity, and therefore limited utility, for assessing change in psychiatric rehabilitation of individuals with severe and persistent mental disorders. However, the QOLI does have an important use: It provides a good indication of the clients' perspectives on the quality of their lives and services received.