The Cares of Life Project (CoLP): An exploratory randomised controlled trial of a community-based intervention for black people with common mental disorder

Abstract

Background To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of a needs-led, community-based intervention for treating individuals from black minority ethnic (BME) groups with common mental disorders. Method Forty eligible individuals from BME groups were randomised to a needs-led package of care (therapy based on the principles of cognitive behaviour therapy and ethnically matched therapists, advocacy and mentoring; ‘rapid access’) or to a 3-month waiting list control with information on local mental health services (‘standard access’). Results At 3- month follow-up, individuals in the rapid access group showed significantly improved levels of depression (GHQ-28 adjusted p < 0.05) although there was no evidence for difference in general functioning (GAF, p = 0.87). The intervention was found to be culturally appropriate and acceptable among users and did not result in significantly increased costs. Limitations The exploratory study sample was small with low power and therefore the statistical certainty may be limited. Conclusions Effective and culturally acceptable psychosocial interventions can be delivered in the community to individuals from BME groups with anxiety and depression with no significant cost implications.