ODDESSI RCT and Process Evaluation
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Open Dialogue: Development and Evaluation of a Social Network Intervention for Severe Mental Illness (ODDESSI)
IRAS ID
259468
Contact name
Stephen Pilling
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
North East London NHS Foundation Trust
ISRCTN Number
ISRCTN52653325
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 3 months, 1 days
Research summary
This application concerns the final phase of a National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) programme grant investigating the development and evaluation of Open Dialogue (OD) for severe mental illness (ODDESSI, RP-PG-0615-20021). OD is a collaborative approach to the care and management of people who present in mental health crises and require continuing treatment and support. Its primary focus is on people’s social networks, in particular families, as well providing appropriate pharmaceutical, psychological or social interventions. It is in contrast to current models of care, in which families are rarely directly involved. International studies to date are promising and report reductions in hospital bed usage and improved recovery rates, but there is currently no high-quality evidence to support an NHS-wide adoption of this model. This approach offers the possibility of a potentially clinically and cost-effective alternative to current models of care. The programme grant consists of five Work Packages (WP) over a five-year period. We have already had HRA approval and undertaken the development phase (WP1) and the feasibility phase of the trial (WP2) (REC Reference: 18/LO/0868, IRAS Project ID: 233243). This application focuses on WPs 3, 4, and 5.
The current study aims to test the clinical and cost effectiveness of OD compared to treatment as usual. This will involve a multi-centre cluster randomised trial (WP 3) comparing OD with TAU in 5 mental health Trusts in England. In parallel with the trial, WP4 will examine a series of organisational and service related factors associated with the delivery and implementation of OD to inform the future implementation of OD, if OD is shown to be effective. As part of this the views and experience of people who have been received Open Dialogue will also be assessed (WP5
REC name
Wales REC 5
REC reference
19/WA/0096
Date of REC Opinion
26 Mar 2019
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion