Self-referral to inpatient treatment (SRIT) has recently been implemented in Norway in several community mental health centers (CMHC) in an effort to increase activation and to improve access to mental health services and timely treatment.

To examine the effect of having a contract for self-referral to inpatient treatment (SRIT) in patients with severe mental disorders. This intervention was based on personalized care planning, legislation regarding patients’ rights and is intended to enhance user participation.

To assess the 12-month effect on patient activation measure-13 (PAM-13).

A randomized controlled trial with 53 adult patients; 26 participants got a SRIT contract which they could use to refer themselves into a CMHC up to five days for each referral without contacting a doctor in advance. Preliminary results on the primary outcome after 12 months with the self-report questionnaires Patient Activation Measure (PAM-13), will be analyzed using linear mixed and regression models.

The preliminary results showed no significant effect on PAM-13 (estimated mean difference [emd] −0.41, 95% CI [CI]: −7.49 to 6.67). A post hoc analysis found an effect of SRIT on PAM-13 in those with baseline PAM-13 scores below ≤ 47.

There were no group differences.

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01133587.

The authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.