Randomised controlled effectiveness trial of a needs-based psychosocial intervention service for carers of people with schizophrenia

Background Family interventions are effective in reducing relapse in patien ts with schizophrenia, but there is little work demonstrating the effective ness of the interventions in routine service settings. Aims To test the effectiveness of a needs-based family intervention service for patients recruited as out-patients and their carers, including those o f low expressed emotion status. Method Carers of out-patient schizophrenia sufferers selected only on illne ss history factors were randomly allocated to receive either family support alone or in combination with systematic psychosocial interventions based o n an assessment of need. Delivery of family interventions attempted to invo lve the clinical team. Results Relapse outcomes were superior for family-treated patients at six-m onth follow-up, although most of the clinical and symptom patient variables assessed remained stable, as did measures of carer burden. Conclusions The study demonstrated the effectiveness of family intervention s in routine service settings. Problems with staff, patient and carer engag ement and participation were identified. Declaration of interest The study was funded by the National Health Service Executive North West.