A randomised controlled trial and economic evaluation of a referrals facilitator between primary care and the voluntary sector.

ABSTRACT:

Objectives

To compare outcome and resource utilisation among patients referred to the Amalthea Project, a liaison organisation that facilitates contact between voluntary organisations and patients in primary care, with patients receiving routine general practitioner care.

Design

Randomised controlled trial with follow up at one and four months.

Setting

26 general practices in Avon.

Participants

161 patients identified by their general practitioner as having psychosocial problems.

Main outcome measures

Primary outcomes were psychological wellbeing (assessed with the hospital anxiety and depression scale) and social support (assessed using the Duke-UNC functional social support questionnaire). Secondary outcomes were quality of life measures (the Dartmouth

SUBMITTER: Grant C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC27287 | biostudies-literature | 2000 Feb

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature