Evaluating the health effects of a social intervention in older people using an experimental approach

Patients were recruited from 11 general practices in South Down, Craigavon, Fermanagh and Tyrone. The intervention consisted of a benefit assessment followed by assistance completing the benefit application. The control group received the assessment but were not give assistance with the application.

Instead they were given a list of agencies where help with the application could be found. A range of health, psycho-social and financial outcome was measured.<br><br>Results:<br>Of the 2180 patients who were sent invitation letters 300 agreed to a benefits assessment. 189 enrolled in the study and 149 were followed up at six months. A total of 89 patients received additional weekly benefits amounting to approximately £3277.19 per annum (£63 per week).

A further 13 patients received one off payments totaling £5,731.01. All but two patients received their benefits within three months of assessment. While analysis showed trends suggesting greater improvements in social support and depression scores for the intervention group when compared with the controls the difference were not statistically significant.

This is probably due to the following factors. The sample size in this study was small because of problems with the recruitment and screening of patients. More patients in the control group claimed benefits than had been anticipated and as a result it was difficult to detect differences between the two groups.<br><br>Discussion:<br>Valuable lessons have been leant and modifications to the study methodology have been suggested that will be of use to other researchers attempting to undertake similar studies in the UK.