Effects of the Two-Way Communication Checklist (2-COM): A one-year cluster randomized study in a group of severely mentally ill persons. (February 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arvidsson, Hans; Olin, Elisabeth; Strand, Jennifer; Tidefors, Inga
• Is Part Of: International journal of social psychiatry. Volume 60:Number 1(2014)
• Page Start: 95
• Page End: 102
• Publication Date: 2014-02
• Subjects: Communication -- intervention -- needs -- cluster randomized study -- severely mentally ill; Social psychiatry -- Periodicals; 362.205
• DOI: 10.1177/0020764012467145
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0020-7640

Abstract

Background: In a health-care service with the emphasis on improvement related to functioning and well-being, the communication process between patient and professionals is essential. There is a lack of research on this matter. Aim: The aim was to investigate, in a group of severely mentally ill persons, whether the use of a simple communication tool could influence the sense of empowerment, satisfaction with care, therapeutic alliance and unmet needs. Method: The study had a cluster randomized design. The intervention was a communication tool (2-COM) applied in two teams during one year. In a comparison group of two other teams, the treatment was as usual. At baseline, after six months, and after one year, assessments were made. Results: After one year the 2-COM groups seemed to have a larger reduction in unmet needs compared to the treatment-as-usual group. However, there were large problems with attrition in the study, and it was not possible to draw relevant conclusions. Conclusions: The methodological problems were substantial, and the study may be considered as a pilot study. In a main study the researchers ought to take control over the selection of patients on the basis of the experiences from this study.