Patient satisfaction with random assignment to extended early intervention for psychosis vs regular care: Relationship with service engagement

Aim We investigated whether individuals varied in their satisfaction with being randomized to an extension of early intervention (EI) for psychosis or regular care after 2 years of EI, and whether satisfaction was associated with service engagement 3 years later. Methods Following randomization, patients (N = 220) indicated if they were happy with, unhappy or indifferent to their group assignment. Follow-up with service providers was recorded monthly. Results Patients randomized to extended EI were more likely to express satisfaction with their group assignment than those in the regular care group (88.2% vs 31.5%,chi(2)= 49.96,P < .001). In the extended EI group, those happy with their assigned group were likelier to continue seeing their case manager for the entire five-year period than those who were unhappy/indifferent (chi(2)= 5.61,P= .030). Conclusions Perceptions about EI, indicated by satisfaction with being assigned to extended EI, may have lasting effects on service engagement.