Collaborative Depression Trial (CADET): multi-centre randomised controlled trial of collaborative care for depression--study protocol.
BACKGROUND
Comprising of both organisational and patient level components, collaborative care is a potentially powerful intervention for improving depression treatment in UK primary Care. However, as previous models have been developed and evaluated in the United States, it is necessary to establish the effect of collaborative care in the UK in order to determine whether this innovative treatment model can replicate benefits for patients outside the US. This Phase III trial was preceded by a Phase II patient level RCT, following the MRC Complex Intervention Framework.


METHODS
A multi-centre controlled trial with cluster-randomised allocation of GP practices. GP practices will be randomised to usual care control or to "collaborative care" - a combination of case manager coordinated support and brief psychological treatment, enhanced specialist and GP communication. The primary outcome will be symptoms of depression as assessed by the PHQ-9.


CONCLUSIONS
If collaborative care is demonstrated to be effective we will have evidence to enable the NHS to substantially improve the organisation of depressed patients in primary care, and to assist primary care providers to deliver a model of enhanced depression care which is both effective and acceptable to patients.
Richards
David A
DA
Mood Disorders Centre, School of Psychology, University of Exeter, EX4 4QG, UK. d.a.richards@exeter.ac.uk
Hughes-Morley
Adwoa
A
Hayes
Rachel A
RA
Araya
Ricardo
R
Barkham
Michael
M
Bland
John M
JM
Bower
Peter
P
Cape
John
J
Chew-Graham
Carolyn A
CA
Gask
Linda
L
Gilbody
Simon
S
Green
Colin
C
Kessler
David
D
Lewis
Glyn
G
Lovell
Karina
K
Manning
Chris
C
Pilling
Stephen
S
D019090:Case Management; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D018802:Patient-Centered Care; D011320:Primary Health Care / Q000191:economics / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D006113:United Kingdom