After 10 years of research, the ODDESSI trial, the world's largest study of Open Dialogue and the largest evaluation of this approach to mental healthcare has been published in The Lancet.  To share the findings, Rethink Mental Illness hosted a hybrid event on Relational Care which was attended by leaders in mental health and colleagues from NELFT.    

At the event, NELFT’s Director of Research and Development, Dr Russell Razzaque spoke about the journey of Open Dialogue therapy.  Developed in Finland in the 1980’s, Open Dialogue takes a different approach to mental healthcare by involving the person experiencing mental health difficulties, together with their family, friends and other important people in their life.  They are also supported by the same healthcare staff throughout their care.  Following encouraging results in Finland, Dr Razzaque worked with Professor Steve Pilling to explore whether the approach could be successfully used in the UK.  Their work helped lead to the ODDESSI study.  

The ODDESSI trial began in 2015 and was sponsored by NELFT.  This means NELFT was responsible for making sure the study was carried out safely and correctly.  The study paused during the COVID-19 pandemic but received additional funding and completed in 2024.

A total of 494 adults from five NHS mental health trusts took part.  Participants were placed by chance, like flipping a coin, into one of two groups: Open Dialogue or usual NHS care.  Researchers followed their progress for two years.  

What did the study find out?

People who received Open Dialogue were less likely to need hospital care or return to crisis mental health services.  They also reported better recovery, a higher quality of life and were more satisfied with the care they received.  While both groups had a similar chance of becoming unwell again, people who received Open Dialogue experienced several other important benefits.

What does this mean?

The findings suggest that Open Dialogue can make a meaningful difference for people using mental health services.  It can be delivered successfully in everyday NHS settings and may help people feel better and happier about their recovery, care and wellbeing.  However, it does not prevent all future health problems, so some people may still need support later on.    

The full results of the study are available here: Open Dialogue versus treatment as usual for adults presenting in crisis to mental health services in England (the ODDESSI Trial): a multisite cluster-randomised trial - The Lancet Psychiatry

Written by Kellie Allen, Research Governance and Quality Lead