Early Recognition Method: A strategy for relapse prevention in ambulant mental haelth care

This relapse prevention study is tailored to adults with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, who are affiliated with community mental health care.
The aim of the study is to investigate the relationship between participating in the Early Recognition Method (ERM) intervention applied in Community Mental Health Care (CMHC), and relapse defined as spending at least one night at the psychiatric hospital.
Design
This multicenter study is described by a naturalistic longitudinal design, involving six CMHC centers. The number of re-admissions during the ERM-intervention period are compared with the respective numbers during a period of treatment as usual immediately before the intervention. A multiple baseline design was applied at intervention start, both at the level of the various community centers involved and at the patient inclusion level.
Method
This protocolized intervention include pre-intervention staff training in the risk management strategy, and in the application of the ERM strategy and ERM plan. The first and last author conducted the training. Nurse-patient collaboration is a key element in this intervention. The intervention has a systematic approach to describing and monitoring individual early warning signs, and the development of an individual relapse prevention plan. This is accomplished in collaboration between contact-nurse and patient.
The expected outcome of the study is evidence-based knowledge on how the ERM-strategy affect relapse, when applied in a CMHC setting, tailored to adults with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. The results are anticipated with great interest as they may reflect differences in treatment needs between the two diagnostic groups.