A real-life observational study of the effectiveness of FACT in a Dutch mental health region
2008

Effectiveness of FACT in Dutch Mental Health Care

Sample size: 480 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Marjan Drukker, Myrte Maarschalkerweerd, Maarten Bak, Ger Driessen, Joost à Campo, Arthur de Bie, Giovanni Poddighe, Jim van Os, Philippe Delespaul

Primary Institution: Maastricht University

Hypothesis

Patients receiving FACT have a higher probability of being in symptomatic remission over a period of time than patients receiving standard treatment.

Conclusion

Compared to standard care, FACT was more effective for patients with an unmet need for care regarding psychotic symptoms.

Supporting Evidence

  • FACT patients with an unmet need for psychotic symptoms were more likely to be in remission than non-FACT patients.
  • The odds of remission were significantly higher for FACT patients when controlling for other factors.
  • The study suggests that continuity of care in FACT may contribute to its effectiveness.

Takeaway

This study found that a special treatment called FACT helps some patients with serious mental illness get better, especially if they really need help with their symptoms.

Methodology

Patients receiving FACT were compared with patients receiving standard treatment, matched on symptom severity and age, using propensity score matching.

Potential Biases

Potential bias due to non-blinded interviewers who were involved in the treatment of the subjects.

Limitations

The study's observational design may limit the generalizability of the results.

Participant Demographics

Patients included were those with severe mental illness (SMI) living independently or in various care settings.

Statistical Information

P-Value

0.002

Confidence Interval

1.97 – 22.7

Statistical Significance

p = 0.002

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

10.1186/1471-244X-8-93

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