Main results
Thirty-two RCTs and two cluster-RCTs that randomised 3554 people satisfied criteria for inclusion. Only one study examined the
effects of early warning signs interventions without additional psychological interventions, and many of the outcomes for this review
were not reported or poorly-reported. Significantly fewer people relapsed with early warning signs interventions than with usual care
(23% versus 43%; RR 0.53, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.79; 15 RCTs, 1502 participants; very low quality evidence). Time to relapse did not
significantly differ between intervention groups (6 RCTs, 550 participants; very low quality evidence). Risk of re-hospitalisation was
significantly lower with early warning signs interventions compared to usual care (19% versus 39%; RR 0.48, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.66; 15
RCTS, 1457 participants; very low quality evidence). Time to re-hospitalisation did not significantly differ between intervention groups
(6 RCTs; 1149 participants; very low quality evidence). Participants’ satisfaction with care and economic costs were inconclusive because
of a lack of evidence.