Aim of the study:
Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder which course is associated with a significant reduction in quality of life. An important aspect of psychiatric treatment is adapting it to the needs of patients in their living environment. Poland is currently undergoing a reform implementing a community-based care model.

Subject or material and methods:
Elements of this model have already been implemented in some areas, which allowed authors to compare some aspects of the quality of life of patients diagnosed with schizophrenia in Krapkowice County (where the community-based care model was available, i.e., a Mental Health Clinic, a Community Treatment Team, and a Psychiatric Day Hospital) and Strzelce County (where only a mental health clinic was available).

Results:
The analysis of the results included both general data (regarding the socio-professional situation of patients – without division by county) and a comparative analysis (assessment of treatment and well-being in Krapkowice and Strzelce County).

Discussion:
The presented data indicate the advantage of the community-based care model in the areas studied and provide a basis for further research in this area.

Conclusions:
The presented data indicate the advantage of the community-based care model in the areas studied and provide a basis for further research in this area.