The Treatment and Research Integrated Model, TRIM – how make the most of your clinical data in a refugee health setting

Although more treatment outcome studies for trauma-affected refugees have been published in recent years, most are limited in design and quality. The paucity of data possibly reflect a combination of methodological challenges... [ view full abstract ]

Although more treatment outcome studies for trauma-affected refugees have been published in recent years, most are limited in design and quality. The paucity of data possibly reflect a combination of methodological challenges in performing research in a transcultural setting, problems in collaboration between researchers and clinical staff as well as a lack of resources for undertaking larger research projects.

The Treatment and Research Integrated Model (TRIM) is invented at Competence Centre for Transcultural Psychiatry (CTP) in Denmark and has gained international interest due to its simple, yet structured approach of optimising the use of clinical data for research purposes. The aim of the TRIM model is to involve all personnel in generating research data of high quality with minimal impost in terms of additional costs and time commitment.

The rationale behind the model is presented, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating outcome research into real-life clinical practice settings. While challenges remain in carrying out treatment outcome studies among trauma-affected refugees, they can be overcome by careful consultation and negotiation in a setting where there is an established ethos of commitment to the scientific endeavour. Ultimately, identifying the most effective interventions will provide better treatment and quality of life for the large number of trauma-affected refugees seeking assistance for mental health problems.

Through this presentation, different elements of the model are discussed with examples of implementation in various kinds of studies. Focus will be on providing practical advice and guidance towards integrating research in clinical facilities that are working with mental health among trauma-affected refugees.