Structured patient-clinician communication and 1-year outcome in community mental healthcare: cluster randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Patient-clinician communication is central to mental healthcare but neglected in research.

Aims: To test a new computer-mediated intervention structuring patient-clinician dialogue (DIALOG) focusing on patients' quality of life and needs for care.

Method: In a cluster randomised controlled trial, 134 keyworkers in six countries were allocated to DIALOG or treatment as usual; 507 people with schizophrenia or related disorders were included. Every 2 months for 1 year, clinicians asked patients to rate satisfaction with quality of life and treatment, and request additional or different support. Responses were fed back immediately in screen displays, compared with previous ratings and discussed. Primary outcome was subjective quality of life, and secondary outcomes were unmet needs and treatment satisfaction.

Results: Of 507 patients, 56 were lost to follow-up and 451 were included in intention-to-treat analyses. Patients receiving the DIALOG intervention had better subjective quality of life, fewer unmet needs and higher treatment satisfaction after 12 months.

Conclusions: Structuring patient-clinician dialogue to focus on patients' views positively influenced quality of life, needs for care and treatment satisfaction.