| Methods |
RCT to compare two conditions. Randomisation performed on practice level. Assessments on three occasions: baseline, 1 and 2 years. |
| Participants |
162 patients (aged 20‐45) who were true or part somatisers (frequent GP attenders, 15 visits or more in 3 years and 5 or more somatisation symptoms) recruited from 20 GPs in 17 practices. Therapists: 10 GPs. |
| Interventions |
T (n:75) = tailored and modified reattribution intervention (dealing with illness worry, feeling understood, broadening the agenda, making the link) and care as usual, 2‐3 10‐30‐min sessions.
C (n:87)= care as usual.
Therapists received 20‐hr training programme (application intervention, feedback on audiotaped consultations) and booster sessions in first year. Supervision of therapists unknown. |
| Outcomes |
Two year follow‐up: complete attribution achieved in 33 of 51 patients. T superior to C on all primary outcomes: medical consumption, subjective health (VAS), sick leave. No complete recovery in either groups (not supported by data). |
| Notes |
non‐compliance: T=24/75.
withdrawal:
T=7/75, C=6/87.
no integrity check. |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Low risk |
A ‐ Adequate |
