Needs and self-reported quality of life of people with severe mental illness in sheltered housing facilities

ObjectiveThis paper investigates the subjective needs of psychiatric patients in relation to the housing conditions with an additional focus on inclusion and participation. Furthermore, it examines differences in clinical and socio-demographic parameters, self-measured quality of life, stage of recovery.MethodsIn this quantitative cross-sectional study, we compared 50patients in apsychiatric acute ward setting, who were looking for aresidence in asheltered housing facility with 50patients in asheltered housing facility using structured interviews.ResultsPatients living in asheltered housing facility reported less unmet needs. However, no differences regarding inclusion and participation were found. More unmet needs were associated with poorer quality of life, and less social inclusion in both groups.ConclusionsPatients in sheltered housing facilities report less unmet needs. Nevertheless, more efforts are needed to regarding inclusion of these patients. Asupported inclusion-approach should be considered.