Observer-Blind Randomized Control Trial for the Effectiveness of Intensive Case Management in Seoul: Clinical and Quality-of-Life Outcomes for Severe Mental Illness
- Author:
Hye-Young MIN
1
;
Seung-Hee AHN
;
Jeung Suk LIM
;
Hwa Yeon SEO
;
Sung Joon CHO
;
Seung Yeon LEE
;
Dohhee KIM
;
Kihoon YOU
;
Hyun Seo CHOI
;
Su-Jin YANG
;
Jee Eun PARK
;
Bong Jin HAHM
;
Hae Woo LEE
;
Jee Hoon SOHN
Author Information
- Publication Type:Original Article
- From:Psychiatry Investigation 2025;22(5):513-521
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
Objective:In South Korea, there is a significant gap in systematic, evidence-based research on intensive case management (ICM) for individuals with severe mental illness (SMI). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of ICM through a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing ICM with standard case management (non-ICM).
Methods:An RCT was conducted to assess the effectiveness of Seoul-intensive case management (S-ICM) vs. non-ICM in individuals with SMI in Seoul. A total of 78 participants were randomly assigned to either the S-ICM group (n=41) or the control group (n=37). Various clinical assessments, including the Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Montgomery–Åsberg Depression Rating Scale, Health of the Nation Outcome Scale, and Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I), along with quality-of-life measures such as the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule, WHO Quality of Life scale, and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS) were evaluated over a 3-month period. Statistical analyses, including analysis of covariance and logistic regression, were used to determine the effectiveness of S-ICM.
Results:The S-ICM group had significantly lower odds of self-harm or suicidal attempts compared to the control group (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]=0.30, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.21–1.38). Psychiatric symptoms measured by the BPRS and perceived social support measured by the MSPSS significantly improved in the S-ICM group. The S-ICM group also had significantly higher odds of CGI-I compared to the control group (aOR=8.20, 95% CI: 2.66–25.32).
Conclusion:This study provides inaugural evidence on the effectiveness of S-ICM services, supporting their standardization and potential nationwide expansion.
