Treatment in terms of standardised, time restricted, pre-coordinated care packages for anxiety disorders and other non-psychotic disorders has recently been introduced in the public mental health services in Denmark. Currently, the result of the implementation process and its impact on patient outcome and service delivery remains unknown.

To investigate i) the effect of care packages on patient outcome and ii) the implementation and service outcomes of care packages in clinical practice. The care package for anxiety disorders is selected as a case study.

The study is conducted as a quasi-experimental prospective pre-post study in a naturalistic setting. Patients included are aged above 18 years and randomly referred to care package treatment for anxiety disorders (F40-41) at two mental health centres in the capital region. In accordance with Proctor et al [1] outcomes are distinguished at three levels: Implementation, Service and Client. In this study the clinical outcome at client level are measured by the Symptom Check List-90R, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Global Assessment of Functioning and WHO Wellbeing Index. Implementation and services outcomes are measured in terms of time periods for waiting and treatment course and resource spending. An internet-based registration and questionnaire system accessed by patients, administrative personnel and therapists is used for data collection.

Inclusion is closed by December 2013. Implementation outcome results are expected by February 2014.