CORAL Study: Proof of Concept Trial

A decision aid tool (DAT) to assist mental health service users in reaching disclosure decisions in the context of employment was developed in a previous study (IRAS REC ref: 07/Q0706/21). The initial feasibility and acceptability was assessed in a group of 15 mental health service users with mean decisional conflict scores reduced from 51.98 to 35.52 after completion. 60% of participants reported that the DAT was quick to complete, 40% that it was easy, 60% that it was relevant and 80% that they would definitely or probably use it in making disclosure decisions. This current study (CORAL: Proof of concept RCT) aims to determine whether a full randomised controlled trial of the DAT is justifiable and feasible, and to optimise its design. This will consider: 1) effects of the intervention; 2) baseline predictors of disclosure; and 3) exploration of the relationship between use of the DAT and the rate of disclosure. Eighty people who are on the caseload of a vocational specialist working with people with mental illness will be included in this study. All participants will be receiving treatment from an Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service or a Community Mental Health Team (CMHT). An equal number from each group will be allocated to receive either the DAT intervention or treatment as usual. Individuals from both groups will complete baseline assessment and 3month followup assessments. Those allocated to the intervention will also complete an assessment immediately following the intervention. Qualitative interviews will also be conducted at 3 months with a maximum of 15 people from the intervention group and 6 people from the control group.