Improving Physical Health in Patients With Psychiatric Disorders in General Practice (SOFIA)

People with a severe mental illness (SMI) have an increased risk for premature mortality, predominantly due somatic health conditions. Evidence indicates that prevention and improved treatment of somatic conditions in patients with SMI could reduce this excess mortality. This paper reports a protocol designed to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of a coordinated co-produced care programme (SOFIA model) in the general practice setting to reduce mortality and improve quality of life in patients with severe mental illness. The primary outcomes are description of study feasibility (recruitment and retention) and acceptability. The SOFIA trial is designed as cluster randomized controlled trial targeting general practices in two regions in Denmark. 12 practices will each recruit 15 community-dwelling patients aged 18 and older with severe mental illness (SMI). Practices will be randomized in a ratio 2:1 to deliver a coordinated care program or care-as-usual during a 6 month period. An online randomized algorithm is used to perform randomization. The coordinated care program comprises enhanced educational training of general practitioners and their clinical staff, and prolonged consultations focusing on individual needs and preferences of the patient with SMI. Assessments are administered at baseline, and at end of study period. If delivery of the intervention in the general practice setting proves feasible, a future definitive trial to determine the effectiveness of the intervention in reducing mortality and improving quality of life in patients with SMI can take place.