Improving care transitions for patients with serious mental illness using a mobile health app

Effectiveness of a multi-component mHealth intervention to improve post-hospital transitions of care for patients with SMI

['FUNDING_R01'] · BUTLER HOSPITAL (PROVIDENCE, RI) · NIH-10893442

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

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBUTLER HOSPITAL (PROVIDENCE, RI) (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10893442 on ClinicalTrials.gov

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients who are not transitioning from a psychiatric hospitalization or those with stable mental health conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

PROVIDENCE, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Affective Disorders

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.