RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Evaluation of a Flexible and Integrative Psychiatric Care Model at the Pfalzklinikum (EVA_Pfalz)

This study is evaluating a new, more flexible approach to mental health care in Germany, called the Flexible and Integrative Psychiatric Care Model (FIT) at the Pfalzklinikum. The main goal is to see if this new model offers better care compared to usual mental health treatments. This approach focuses on making services more connected and adaptable, offering different levels of support as needed. It includes home visits and works to keep patients stable within their own communities. The study aims to understand if this new model helps patients more, provides smoother transitions between different types of care, and uses resources effectively. It’s part of a larger effort in Germany to improve how mental health care is delivered.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Technische Universität Dresden

Enrolment target

10,000

Start

30 Sep 2022

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2026

Mental Health Care

What is this study about?

This study is looking at a new way of providing mental health care called the Flexible and Integrative Psychiatric Care Model, or FIT for short. This model is being used at the Pfalzklinikum, a mental health hospital in Germany. The main idea behind FIT is to offer mental health services that are more connected and can be adjusted to each person's needs, rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.

The researchers want to find out if this FIT model is better than the standard mental health care currently offered. This new approach tries to make mental health support more flexible, meaning the type, length, and intensity of care can change based on what a patient needs. It particularly focuses on helping people in their own homes and communities, which is sometimes called 'Assertive Community Treatment.' The aim is to help people stay stable and well within their everyday lives, considering their work and social connections.

Over 20 health insurance companies in Germany are supporting this FIT project at the Pfalzklinikum, making it the biggest of its kind in that country. It's designed to last for eight years, and this study will regularly check how well it's working. The hope is that this new model will improve care for children, young people, and adults who need mental health support, make sure treatment flows smoothly, and use funding more wisely.

Key takeaways

This study evaluates a new flexible mental health care model in Germany.
It aims to see if this new model is better than standard care.
The care includes tailored support and care in your own community (home visits).
It's a look-back study, using existing patient records – no direct patient involvement.
The goal is to improve future mental health services for children, young people, and adults.
Your personal medical information will be kept private and anonymised.

Who may be eligible?

To be considered for this study, you would need to have received treatment at the Pfalzklinikum or a similar control hospital between January 1, 2020, and December 31, 2023. This treatment must have been for certain mental health conditions, including various types of dementia, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, and some developmental and behavioural disorders, among others. The treatment should have been provided by their psychiatry, child and adolescent psychiatry, or psychosomatic/psychotherapy departments.

You also need to be covered by one of the participating health insurance funds in Germany. If you moved out of Germany during your treatment or if there isn't at least one year of follow-up information available about your treatment, you would not be able to be included in this study.

Importantly, this study is looking back at existing patient records to evaluate the new care model, rather than recruiting new participants for a trial of a new treatment. So, if you meet the criteria and were treated at the Pfalzklinikum during the specified time, your anonymous data might be part of this evaluation.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Were you treated at the Pfalzklinikum or a similar hospital between Jan 1, 2020, and Dec 31, 2023?
Was your main diagnosis one of the specified mental health conditions?
Were you insured by one of the participating German health insurance funds?
Did you live in Germany permanently during your treatment period?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

This study is an evaluation, which means researchers are looking back at information from people who have already been treated. You wouldn't be asked to do anything new or extra. Your medical records from your treatment between January 2020 and December 2023 would be reviewed. There are no direct visits, assessments, or specific treatments you would receive as part of this study itself, as it's looking at the care you already had. The total duration of your involvement in terms of data collection would depend on how long you were receiving treatment within the study's timeframe and how long follow-up data is collected.

Potential risks and benefits

Since this study involves looking back at existing medical records, there are no direct risks to your health or well-being from participating. Your personal information will be kept private and anonymised. The potential benefit is that the findings from this study could help improve mental health care for many people in the future, if the flexible care model is found to be more effective. You have the right to request that your anonymised data not be used in the evaluation, usually by informing the hospital or your insurance provider.

Locations (1)

Center For Evidence-Based Healthcare, Technische Universität Dresden
Verified postcode
Dresden, Germany· Recruiting

Common questions

What is the main goal of this study?

The main goal is to see if a new, more flexible way of providing mental health care (called FIT) is better than standard care for patients in Germany.

Does this study involve new treatments or medicines?

No, this study is evaluating care that has already been given. It doesn't involve giving new treatments or medicines to anyone.

Who is running this study?

The study is an evaluation of the care model at the Pfalzklinikum in Germany, carried out by independent experts as required by German law.

Will my personal details be safe?

Yes, any information from your medical records used in the study will be anonymised, meaning your personal details will be kept private and can't be linked back to you.

Will I have to do anything if my records are used?

No, you won't have to do anything. The study uses existing information, so there are no extra appointments or tasks for you.

How to find out more

Anne Neumann, Dr.

anne.neumann@uniklinikum-dresden.de +49 (0)351 458 5634 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.