Early assessment for patients referred to outpatient mental health care
Effect of Early Assessment Team for Clarification and Follow-up of Patients Referred to Outpatient Mental Health Care: A Randomized Controlled Trial
This study is testing if an early assessment team can help people with complex mental health and physical issues get the right care when they are referred to outpatient mental health services.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 588 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | St. Olavs Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Trondheim) |
| Trial ID | NCT05087446 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effectiveness of an early assessment team for patients referred to outpatient mental health services, particularly focusing on those with complex mental and somatic issues. It aims to provide individualized assessments to address the multifaceted challenges these patients face, which may not solely stem from psychiatric illnesses. The approach involves a thorough evaluation to determine the appropriate care pathway for each patient, ensuring that those who do not require specialized mental health care are identified early. The study is conducted at St. Olavs Hospital in collaboration with the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are patients referred to a general psychiatric outpatient clinic who can consent and understand Norwegian.
Not a fit: Patients who are too healthy for specialized mental health care or those requiring acute psychiatric assessment may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans, improving overall patient outcomes in mental health care.
How similar studies have performed: While the approach of early assessment teams is gaining attention, the specific methodology and its effectiveness in this context may be novel and untested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * all patients referred to a general psychiatric outpatient clinic * necessary capacity to consent * master Norwegian language to such an extent that the patient can understand the written consent Exclusion Criteria: * patients that an admission team at the outpatient clinic consider obviously must have a TAU for some time * patients too healthy to receive specialized mental health care * patients in need of acute psychiatric assessment * relevant participants who do not respond digitally or who do not confirm consent in writing within given deadlines
Where this trial is running
Trondheim
- Nidelv DPS, Tiller — Trondheim, Norway (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Katrine H Holgersen, phd
- Email: Katrine.Hoyer.Holgersen@stolav.no
- Phone: +4772829000
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.