Abstract
Aim
We investigated whether individuals varied in their satisfaction with being randomized to an extension of early intervention (EI) for psychosis or regular care after 2 years of EI, and whether satisfaction was associated with service engagement 3 years later.
Methods
Following randomization, patients (N = 220) indicated if they were happy with, unhappy or indifferent to their group assignment. Follow‐up with service providers was recorded monthly.
Results
Patients randomized to extended EI were more likely to express satisfaction with their group assignment than those in the regular care group (88.2% vs 31.5%, χ
2 = 49.96, P < .001). In the extended EI group, those happy with their assigned group were likelier to continue seeing their case manager for the entire five‐year period than those who were unhappy/indifferent (χ
2 = 5.61, P = .030).
Conclusions
Perceptions about EI, indicated by satisfaction with being assigned to extended EI, may have lasting effects on service engagement.