Evaluation of a complex intervention for prisoners with common mental health problems, near to and after release: the Engager randomised controlled trial
Year: 2022
Type: article
Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial
Abstract: Background Many male prisoners have significant mental health problems, including anxiety and depression. High proportions struggle with homelessness and substance misuse. Aims This study aims to evaluate whether the Engager intervention improves mental health outcomes following release. Method The design is a parallel randomised superiority trial that was conducted in the North West and South West of England (ISRCTN11707331). Men serving a prison sentence of 2 years or less were individually allocated 1:1 to either the intervention (Engager plus usual care) or usual care alone. Engager included psychological and practical support in prison, on release and for 3–5 months in the community. The primary outcome was the Clinical Outcomes in Routine Evaluation Outcome Measure (CORE-OM), 6 months after release. Primary analysis compared groups based on intention-to-treat (ITT). Results In total, 280 men were randomised out of the 396 who were potentially eligible and agreed to participate; 105 did not meet the mental health inclusion criteria. There was no mean difference in the ITT complete case analysis between groups (92 in each arm) for change in the CORE-OM score (1.1, 95% CI –1.1 to 3.2, P = 0.325) or secondary analyses. There were no consistent clinically significant between-group differences for secondary outcomes. Full delivery was not achieved, with 77% (108/140) receiving community-based contact. Conclusions Engager is the first trial of a collaborative care intervention adapted for prison leavers. The intervention was not shown to be effective using standard outcome measures. Further testing of different support strategies for prison with mental health problems is needed.
DOI: 10.1192/bjp.2022.93
Authors: Richard Byng, Tim Kirkpatrick, Charlotte Lennox, Fiona C. Warren, Rob Anderson, Sarah Louise Brand, Lynne Callaghan, Lauren Carroll, Graham Durcan, Laura Gill, Sara Goodier, Jonathan Graham, Rebecca Greer, Mark Haddad, Tirril Harris, William Henley, Rachael Hunter, Sarah Leonard, Mike Maguire, Susan Michie, Christabel Owens, Mark Pearson, Cath Quinn, Sarah Rybczynska-Bunt, Caroline Stevenson, Amy Stewart, Alex Stirzaker, Roxanne Todd, Florian Walter, Lauren Weston, Nat Wright, Rod S. Taylor, Jenny Shaw
Institutions: University of Plymouth, University of Manchester, University of Exeter, Centre for Mental Health, City, University of London, King's College London, The Royal Free Hospital, University College London, University of South Wales, University of Hull, Hull York Medical School, University of Leeds, MRC/CSO Social and Public Health Sciences Unit, University of Glasgow
Language: English
Subfield: Sociology and Political Science
Field: Social Sciences
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
Estimated APC paid: $4,920
Funders: University of Hull, National Institute for Health and Care Research, Department of Health and Social Care, University of Exeter, University College London, University of Leeds, University of Glasgow, City, University of London, Medical Research Council, Menzies Centre for Australian Studies, King's College London, University of London, Programme Grants for Applied Research
OpenAlex ID: W4292253183