Smartphone-delivered self-management for first-episode psychosis: the ARIES feasibility randomised controlled trial. Issue 8 (26th August 2020)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Steare, Thomas; O'Hanlon, Puffin; Eskinazi, Michelle; Osborn, David; Lloyd-Evans, Brynmor; Jones, Rebecca; Rostill, Helen; Amani, Sarah; Johnson, Sonia
• Is Part Of: BMJ open. Volume 10:Issue 8(2020)
• Publication Date: 2020-08-26
• Subjects: schizophrenia & psychotic disorders -- mental health -- clinical trials; Medicine -- Research -- Periodicals; 610.72
• DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2019-034927
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2044-6055

Abstract

Abstract : Objectives: To test the feasibility and acceptability of a randomised controlled trial (RCT) to evaluate a Smartphone-based self-management tool in Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services. Design: A two-arm unblinded feasibility RCT. Setting: Six NHS EIP services in England. Participants: Adults using EIP services who own an Android Smartphone. Participants were recruited until the recruitment target was met (n=40). Interventions: Participants were randomised with a 1:1 allocation to one of two conditions: (1) treatment as usual from EIP services (TAU) or (2) TAU plus access to My Journey 3 on their own Smartphone. My Journey 3 features a range of self-management components including access to digital recovery and relapse prevention plans, medication tracking and symptom monitoring. My Journey 3 use was at the users' discretion and was supported by EIP service clinicians. Participants had access for a median of 38.1 weeks. Primary and secondary outcome measures: Feasibility outcomes included recruitment, follow-up rates and intervention engagement. Participant data on mental health outcomes were collected from clinical records and from research assessments at baseline, 4 months and 12 months. Results: 83% and 75% of participants were retained in the trial at the 4-month and 12-month assessments. All treatment group participants had access to My Journey 3 during the trial, but technical difficulties caused delays in ensuring timely access to the intervention. The median number of My Journey 3 uses was 16.5 (IQR 8.5 to 23) and median total minutes spent using My Journey 3 was 26.8 (IQR 18.3 to 57.3). No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Recruitment and retention were feasible. Within a trial context, My Journey 3 could be successfully delivered to adults using EIP services, but with relatively low usage rates. Further evaluation of the intervention in a larger trial may be warranted, but should include attention to implementation. Trial registration: ISRCTN10004994 .