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Open Access 01-12-2017 | Research article

Does one size really fit all? The effectiveness of a non-diagnosis-specific integrated mental health care program in Germany in a prospective, parallel-group controlled multi-centre trial

Authors: Annabel Sandra Mueller-Stierlin, Marina Julia Helmbrecht, Katrin Herder, Stefanie Prinz, Nadine Rosenfeld, Julia Walendzik, Marco Holzmann, Uemmueguelsuem Dinc, Matthias Schützwohl, Thomas Becker, Reinhold Kilian

Published in: BMC Psychiatry | Issue 1/2017

Abstract

Background

The Network for Mental Health (NWpG-IC) is an integrated mental health care program implemented in 2009 by cooperation between health insurance companies and community mental health providers in Germany. Meanwhile about 10,000 patients have been enrolled. This is the first study evaluating the effectiveness of the program in comparison to standard mental health care in Germany.

Methods

In a parallel-group controlled trial over 18 months conducted in five regions across Germany, a total of 260 patients enrolled in NWpG-IC and 251 patients in standard mental health care (TAU) were recruited between August 2013 and November 2014. The NWpG-IC patients had access to special services such as community-based multi-professional teams, case management, crisis intervention and family-oriented psychoeducation in addition to standard mental health care. The primary outcome empowerment (EPAS) and the secondary outcomes quality of life (WHO-QoL-BREF), satisfaction with psychiatric treatment (CSQ-8), psychosocial and clinical impairment (HoNOS) and information about mental health service needs (CAN) were measured four times at 6-month intervals. Linear mixed-effect regression models were used to estimate the main effects and interaction effects of treatment, time and primary diagnosis. Due to the non-randomised group assignment, propensity score adjustment was used to control the selection bias.

Results

NWpG-IC and TAU groups did not differ with respect to most primary and secondary outcomes in our participating patients who showed a broad spectrum of psychiatric diagnoses and illness severities. However, a significant improvement in terms of patients’ satisfaction with psychiatric care and their perception of treatment participation in favour of the NWpG-IC group was found.

Conclusions

Providing integrated mental health care for unspecific mentally ill target groups increases treatment participation and service satisfaction but seems not suitable to enhance the overall outcomes of mental health care in Germany. The implementation of strategies for ameliorating the needs orientation of the NWpG-IC should be considered.

Trial registration

German Clinical Trial Register DRKS00005111, registered 26 July 2013.

Available only for authorised users

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Title: Does one size really fit all? The effectiveness of a non-diagnosis-specific integrated mental health care program in Germany in a prospective, parallel-group controlled multi-centre trial
Authors: Annabel Sandra Mueller-Stierlin
Marina Julia Helmbrecht
Katrin Herder
Stefanie Prinz
Nadine Rosenfeld
Julia Walendzik
Marco Holzmann
Uemmueguelsuem Dinc
Matthias Schützwohl
Thomas Becker
Reinhold Kilian
Publication date: 01-12-2017
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: BMC Psychiatry / Issue 1/2017
Electronic ISSN: 1471-244X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12888-017-1441-9

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Does one size really fit all? The effectiveness of a non-diagnosis-specific integrated mental health care program in Germany in a prospective, parallel-group controlled multi-centre trial

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

ACC 2024 Congress

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Trial registration

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