title: An RCT of early intervention in psychosis: Croydon Outreach and Assertive Support Team (COAST).
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Despite considerable interest in early intervention in psychosis, the evidence base for its effectiveness is sparse. We aimed to evaluate a new service in South London, UK, Croydon Outreach and Assertive Support Team (COAST) using a randomised controlled trial (RCT) during its first year.
  
  
  METHODS
  Referrals were taken from local adult community mental health teams of those with documented first service contact in the last 5 years and a diagnosis of any functional psychosis. Those who consented (N = 59) were randomised to COAST or treatment as usual (TAU). COAST offered a range of interventions, including optimum atypical medication, psychological interventions (individual cognitive behavioural therapy and family intervention if appropriate) and a range of vocational and welfare help according to need. Whole team training was used to be able to offer these kinds of interventions.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Outcomes were evaluated at baseline, 6 months and 9 months on a range of standardised clinical and social measures. Overall both COAST and TAU clients improved over time, but there were no significant improvements for COAST clients; a lack of significant results in the time x treatment interaction. There was a trend for COAST carers' quality of life to increase. Bed days were also less in COAST, but not significantly so.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The lack of clearly demonstrated improvements for COAST is consistent with the published literature so far. The fact that both groups improved in symptoms and functioning over the year suggests that while access to early intervention is helpful, community adult mental health teams should aim to offer high quality input at any stage of psychosis in order to meet client and carer needs.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, Henry Wellcome Building, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, 77, London SE5 8AF, UK.
authors.forename: Elizabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Kuipers
authors.forename: Frank
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Holloway
authors.forename: Sophia
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rabe-Hesketh
authors.forename: Lakshika
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Tennakoon
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D019090:Case Management; D003155:Community Mental Health Centers; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000145:classification / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008131:London; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation / Q000628:therapy*; D011788:Quality of Life; D012647:Self-Assessment; D016896:Treatment Outcome