Comparing dedicated and designated models of integrating mental health into chronic disease care: study protocol for a cluster randomized controlled trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background

In low- and middle-income countries (LMIC), it is uncertain whether a "dedicated" approach to integrating mental health care (wherein a community health worker (CHW) has the sole responsibility of delivering mental health care) or a "designated" approach (wherein a CHW provides this service in addition to usual responsibilities) is most effective and cost-effective. This study aims to compare the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of these two models of service integration relative to treatment as usual (TAU) for improving mental health and chronic disease outcomes among patients with HIV or diabetes.

Methods/design

This is a cluster randomised trial. We will randomise 24 primary health care facilities in the Western Cape Province of South Africa to one of three

SUBMITTER: Myers B 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5857135 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature