A cluster randomised controlled trial of the effect of primary care mental health workers on satisfaction, mental health symptoms and use of services: Background and methodology

Mental health is a core function of primary care. There is however some evidence that primary care may not always deliver optimal care for people with mental health problems. Primary care mental health workers (PCMHWs) may have an important part to play in improving the quality and access to effective mental health services. There has, as yet, been no formal evaluation of the specific role of PCMHW. This paper describes the background to the development of the role of PCMHW and the design of a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate their effectiveness. Seventeen practices in the Hearth of Birmingham Primary Care Trust have been recruited, eight as control and nine intervention practices. Five PCMHWs are based in the nine intervention practices. The primary outcome measure is satisfaction measured by the Consultation Saticfaction Questionnaire (CSQ). The study has 90% power to find a 10.4% difference in the CSQ at the α value of .05. Data collection began in February 2003 and will continue for 12 months. The results will provide important information for policy makers, commissioners and providers about the effects of PCMHWs on the delivery of primary care mental health. © 2003 Librapharm Limited.