Usability testing and pilot randomised controlled trial of a supported self-management smartphone application for psychosis

Ssummary
Psychosis relapse rates remain relatively high even with an Early Intervention Service (EIS) and many do not attain functional recovery. Improvements may not persist after discharge to standard services. There will be considerable benefit from a tool that develops patients’ self-management skills, and which remains available after discharge.

Our researchers have developed an app for young people who have experienced psychosis, to help them build confidence, learn skills to take back control, and reduce the chance of future episodes. Users make plans for their recovery, keep track of their progress and any medication they are taking, and find jargon-free information about mental health and the services available. Users can choose to email their recovery and relapse prevention plans and records of their progress to mental health workers in the Early Intervention Services team, carers, trusted friends and family.

We are working with young people (16+) who are Early Intervention Service users and their support workers to further develop a personalised, interactive app to support self-management, and to test the feasibility of a supported self-management smartphone app intervention in a pilot randomised controlled trial.

Principal investigator: Professor Sonia Johnson, UCL

Start date and duration: April 2014

Partners and collaborators involved: UCL, Camden and Islington NHS Foundation Trust