"CoMBI-SMI Multicenter Study: A Person-Centered Cognitive-Behavioral Intervention for Severe Mental Illness"

This observational multicenter study aims to evaluate whether the Cognitive Model for Behavioral Interventions - Severe Mental Illness (CoMBI-SMI) can reduce challenging behaviors and psychological symptoms in adults (aged 18 and older) with severe mental illness (SMI). The study is conducted across multiple sites in the Netherlands, Belgium, and the Caribbean, using a stepped-wedge design. All participating departments initially continue their usual care. At different time points, each team receives training in the CoMBI-SMI approach and begins implementing the intervention. This design allows for a comparison between standard care and CoMBI-SMI-based care.

Participants first receive their usual treatment, during which baseline data are collected on their behavior and psychological symptoms. After the care team is trained in CoMBI-SMI, participants receive CoMBI-SMI-based care for four weeks. They complete questionnaires on behavior, psychological symptoms, and quality of life before and after the intervention. The study aims to assess whether CoMBI-SMI helps reduce challenging behaviors such as aggression or repetitive actions, improve quality of life, and reduce stress for both caregivers and treatment teams. Findings from this study may help improve care for individuals with severe mental illness and provide better support for mental health professionals managing complex behaviors.