Application of the Nursing Process: Evaluation - Schizophrenia

Evaluation

The nurse must consider evaluation of the plan of care in the context of each client and family. Ongoing assessment provides data to determine whether the client’s individual outcomes were achieved. The client’s perception of the success of treatment also plays a part in evaluation. Even if all outcomes are achieved, the nurse must ask if the cli-ent is comfortable or satisfied with the quality of life.

In a global sense, evaluation of the treatment of schizo-phrenia is based on the following:

·    Have the client’s psychotic symptoms disappeared? If not, can the client carry out his or her daily life despite the persistence of some psychotic symptoms?

·    Does the client understand the prescribed medication regimen? Is he or she committed to adherence to the regimen?

·    Does the client possess the necessary functional abili-ties for community living?

·    Are community resources adequate to help the client live successfully in the community?

·    Is there a sufficient after-care or crisis plan in place to deal with recurrence of symptoms or difficulties en-countered in the community?

·    Are the client and family adequately knowledgeable about schizophrenia?

·    Does the client believe that he or she has a satisfactory quality of life?