A cluster randomised controlled trial of the effect of priamry care mental health workers on satisfaction, mental health symptoms and use of services: background and methodology

Mental health is a core function of primary care. There is however some evidence that primary care may not always deliver optimal care for people with mental health problems. Primary care mental health workers (PCMHWs) may have an important part to play in improving the quality and access to effective mental health services. There has, as yet, been no formal evaluation of the specific role of PCMHW. This paper describes the background to the development of the role of PCMHW and the design of a cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate their effectiveness.