Keeping in touch. Cell phone use in people with schizophrenia disorders.
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Date
2011-04-14
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Abstract
There is limited research exploring telephone intervention for psychiatric clients no studies specific to cell phone use have been conducted This pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of cell phone use in individuals with schizophrenia spectrum disorders SSDs Ten outpatients with SSDs were provided with previously activated cell phones for 5 months trained nurses contacted participants weekly Seven participants completed the 5 month follow up period A minority of participants reported difficulty retrieving messages and answering or charging their phone These preliminary findings indicate the majority of individuals with SSDs are willing to use this method of communication and are able to do so with few problems Possible barriers to the use of cell phones with this group include lifestyle factors and poor decision making Future investigations should examine the use of cell phone access to foster personal safety gain a sense of connectedness to others and enhance quality of life