Improving care transitions for patients with serious mental illness using a mobile health app
Official title: Effectiveness of a multi-component mHealth intervention to improve post-hospital transitions of care for patients with SMI
Funded at Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri) · NIH-10893442 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a helpful app called tFOCUS that supports people with serious mental illness after they leave the hospital, making sure they get the care they need as they transition back to everyday life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri) NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Providence, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $719,042 |
| NIH project number | 5R01MH130496-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10893442 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals aged 21 and older who have been hospitalized for serious mental illness and are transitioning to outpatient care.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not transitioning from a psychiatric hospitalization or those with stable mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the transition of care for patients with serious mental illness (SMI) after they are discharged from psychiatric hospitalization. It aims to address the gaps in care that often occur during this critical period by implementing a mobile health intervention called tFOCUS. This app provides real-time assessments and interventions, along with updates for clinicians, to ensure patients receive the necessary support as they move from hospital to outpatient care. The study will rigorously evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention compared to standard care practices.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved continuity of care and better health outcomes for patients with serious mental illness.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that mobile health interventions can effectively improve patient engagement and outcomes in mental health care, suggesting a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri)
Providence, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gaudiano, Brandon a — Butler Hospital (Providence, Ri)
- Study coordinator: Gaudiano, Brandon a
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.