Accepted for/Published in: JMIR Research Protocols
Date Submitted: Feb 23, 2021
Date Accepted: Sep 7, 2021
Date Submitted to PubMed: Dec 8, 2021
Online Therapeutic Platform to Prevent Relapses and Support Recovery in Youth Receiving Specialized Services for First-Episode Psychosis: Protocol for a Pilot Study of Horyzons-Canada Phase 2
ABSTRACT
Background:
Psychotic disorders are among the most disabling of all mental disorders. The first episode of psychosis (FEP) often occurs during adolescence or young adulthood. Young people experiencing a FEP often face multiple barriers in accessing a comprehensive range of psychosocial services, which have predominantly been delivered in person. New models of service delivery that are accessible, sustainable, and engaging are needed to support recovery in youth diagnosed with a FEP.
Objective:
In this paper, we describe a protocol to implement and evaluate the acceptability, safety, and potential efficacy of an online psychosocial therapeutic intervention designed to sustain recovery and prevent relapses in young adults diagnosed with FEP. This intervention was originally developed and tested in Australia and has been adapted for implementation and evaluation in Canada and called Horyzons-Canada (HoryzonsCa).
Methods:
This cohort study is implemented in a single-centre, and applies a pre-post, mixed-methods (QUAL-QUAN convergent) design. The study involves recruiting twenty participants from a specialized early intervention program for psychosis located in Montreal, Canada and providing them with access to the HoryzonsCa intervention for 8 weeks. Data collection includes interview-based psychometric measures, self-reports, focus groups, and interviews.
Results:
This study received funding from the NARSAD Brain and Behaviour Research Foundation (USA), the Quebec Health Research Funding Agency (FRQS) (Canada), and the Canada Research Chairs Program. The study was approved by the Douglas Mental Health University Institute Research Ethics Board on April 11, 2018 [#IUSMD 17-54]. Data was collected from May 1, 2018 to June 1, 2019, and a final sample of 20 individuals participated in the study. Data analysis and reporting are in process. The results of the study will be submitted for publication in 2021.
Conclusions:
This study will provide preliminary evidence on the acceptability, safety, and potential efficacy of using a digital health innovation adapted for the Canadian context to deliver specialized mental health services to youth diagnosed with FEP. Clinical Trial: ISRCTN43182105; https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN43182105
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