Implementation of Early Intervention Services (OPUS) in Denmark and results of 20 year follow-up of the OPUS trial

Abstract: Background The OPUS trial is the largest randomized controlled (RCT) testing early intervention services with 20-years of follow-up among individuals a first episode psychosis in schizophrenia spectrum. Methods A total 547 spectrum were included into I between January 1998 - December 2000 and allocated to either two years or treatment as usual. Clinical trained staff, blinded original allocation, performed five, ten 20-year assessments. service consisted assertive community including social skill training, psychoeducation family involvement delivered by multi-disciplinary team (staff patient ratio 1:10). standard was based on available mental health (1:20 –1:30). Results 164 participants (30%) interviewed at follow-up. No significant differences found group (OPUS-group) compared Treatment As Usual (TAU-group) global functional levels, psychotic negative symptom scores after 20 years. Likewise, no randomization OPUS-group TAU-group days psychiatric hospitalizations (Incidence Rate Ratio (IRR), 1.202, 95% CI 0.733 1.997, P=0.46), number outpatient contacts (IRR: 1.197, 0.889 1.612, P=0.24). Of entire cohort, 40% remission 18% clinical recovery mortality rate 13.1% 15.1% TAU group, P=.47. Conclusions Relevance New initiatives are needed maintain positive outcomes achieved Disclosure Interest None Declared