Evolving Perspectives on Quality of Life in Schizophrenia: A Decade of Research Mapped Through Comprehensive Scoping Review.

Quality of life (QoL) is a vital recovery outcome in schizophrenia but remains overshadowed by the clinical focus on symptom control. Mental health nurses can advance QoL through holistic, person-centred care, yet methodological inconsistencies limit its translation into practice. This systematic scoping review aimed to map the landscape of the QoL research by examining measurement approaches, influencing factors, evidence-based interventions, and emerging trends. Guided by the JBI methodology, seven databases were searched (2014-2024), with eight independent reviewers screening 180 out of 2394 studies and conducting a bibliometric analysis using VOSviewer. Findings revealed substantial measurement heterogeneity-only 30% of studies used WHOQOL-BREF and 14% the QLS, undermining cross-study comparability. Five domains were consistently associated with QoL: sociodemographic, clinical, psychological, behavioural/functional, and environmental factors. Eighteen evidence-based interventions demonstrated benefits, including physical exercise, music therapy, and psychoeducation, while cognitive behavioural therapy showed no significant effect. Bibliometric analysis highlighted a shift from conceptual foundation (2018-2019) toward specialised interventions (2020-2021). Despite these advances, persistent measurement inconsistencies hinder the development of clinical guidance. Standardised assessment protocols, longitudinal studies, and effective implementation strategies are urgently needed. This synthesis provides an evidence-based framework to strengthen mental health care and nursing practice, fostering person-centred interventions that meaningfully improve QoL and long-term outcomes for people with schizophrenia.