Effentiveness of Assertive Community Treatment versus Care-as-usual for patients with severe and persistent psychiatric disorders.

117 patients were randomized to the 2 conditions. For these patients care related data are available (3 primary outcome measures). 80% gave informed consent for an interview (1 primary outcome measure and secondary outcome measures). There are 2 interview measurements (1 year follow-up).

ACT will, compared to care-as-usual result in less admission days and more sustained contact with mental health. Moreover, life skills will be more improved possibly resulting in a higher quality of life.

N/A

Assertive Community Treatment (ACT).

In ACT the caseload is a shared responsibility for the whole team;

ACT is further characterized by: a low staff-to-patient ratio (1-10 maximally);

in vivo treatment at home of the patient; the inclusion of a wide range of disciplines in the ACT team, including client participation. Fidelity is measured by 28 items.