Individual research recommendation details

Recommendation ID

CG123/1

Question

Comprehensive assessment versus a brief assessment:- For people with a suspected common mental health disorder, what is the clinical and cost effectiveness of using a comprehensive assessment (conducted by mental health professional) versus a brief assessment (conducted by a paraprofessional)?

Any explanatory notes
(if applicable)

Why this is important:- Uncertainty remains about the accuracy and consequent identification of appropriate treatment by paraprofessionals in primary care. An assessment by a mental health professional is likely to result in more accurate identification of problems and appropriate treatment, but is likely to entail greater cost and potentially significant longer wait times for interventions, both of which can have deleterious effects on care.
This question should be answered using a randomised controlled design that reports short- and medium-term outcomes (including cost-effectiveness outcomes) of at least 12 months’ duration.

Source guidance details

Comes from guidance

Common mental health problems: identification and pathways to care

Number

CG123

Date issued

May 2011

Other details