ObjectiveTo explore the effect of rehabilitation in open wards on chronic schizophrenic patients.Methods48 chronic schizophrenic patients were shifted to open wards with comprehensive rehabilitational therapy.They were evaluated with Positive And Negative Symptoms Scale(PANSS),Nurse's Observation Scale for Inpatient Evaluation(NOSIE),Social Disability Screening Schedule (SDSS) before and 6 months after the shifting.ResultsThere was significant difference in the total scores, negative symptoms scales score, general psychopathological scales score and response deficient factor score of PANSS, all the factors scores except psychiatric manifestations and depression of NOSIE, and scores of SDSS pre- and post-shifting(P<0.01).ConclusionRehabilitation in open wards can improve the negative symptoms and social function of chronic schizophrenics.