title: Study protocol for a controlled trial of Strengths Model Case Management in mental health services in Hong Kong.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Although strengths-based models are popular within recovery-oriented approaches, there is still a lack of conclusive research to guide how they should be implemented. A recent meta-analysis confirmed the lack of clarity in how this perspective is operationalised and that fidelity monitoring during the implementation process is lacking. Hence, there is a clear need to evaluate the feasibility of delivering and evaluating a clearly operationalised strengths-based intervention that incorporates fidelity checks to inform more definitive research. This protocol therefore describes a controlled trial of Strengths Model Case Management (SMCM), a complex intervention, for people with severe mental illnesses in Hong Kong. This trial follows the guidelines of the Medical Research Council as a phase 2 trial. Hence, it is a pilot study that tests the feasibility and effectiveness of the model.
  
  
  METHODS
  This is a 9-month controlled trial that uses the Kansas Model. Participants and a matched control group are recruited on a voluntary basis, after screening for eligibility. Effectiveness of the SMCM will be measured through outcome measures taken at baseline, the mid-point and at the end of the trial. Outcomes for service users include personal recovery, hope, subjective well-being, psychiatric symptoms, perceived level of recovery features within the organisation, therapeutic alliance and achievement of recovery goals. Outcomes for care workers will include job burnout, organisational features of recovery and perceived supervisory support. With a 2×3 analysis of variance design and a moderate intervention effect (Cohen's d=0.50), a total of 86 participants will be needed for a statistical power of 0.80.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Ethical approval has been obtained from the Human Research Ethics Committee for Non-Clinical Faculties at The University of Hong Kong (HRECNCF: EA140913).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Australian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry (ACTRN)12613001120763.
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Wing-See Emily
authors.initials: WS
authors.lastname: Tsoi
authors.affiliation: Department of Social Work and Social Administration, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
authors.forename: Samson
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tse
authors.affiliation: Center for Mental Health Research and Innovation, School of Social Welfare, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA.
authors.forename: Sadaaki
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fukui
authors.affiliation: Division of Health Research, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, UK.
authors.forename: Steven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Jones
mesh_terms: D006801:Humans; D019090:Case Management / Q000458:organization & administration; D018849:Controlled Clinical Trials as Topic / Q000379:methods; D006723:Hong Kong; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008603:Mental Health; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration
keywords: MENTAL HEALTH