Improving mental health care in West Africa using mobile health and nurse support
Combining mHealth and Nurse-delivered Care to Improve the Outcomes of People With Serious Mental Illness in West Africa
This study is testing whether a new approach that combines nurse support and a mobile health app can improve mental health care for people with serious mental illnesses in Ghanaian prayer camps.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 360 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | University of Washington Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Accra) |
| Trial ID | NCT05703711 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates a dual-pronged intervention in Ghanaian prayer camps where traditional healers provide care for serious mental illnesses like psychosis, mania, and depression. The intervention includes a visiting nurse who delivers medications directly to patients and a mobile health app called M-Healer that trains staff on psychosocial interventions and patient monitoring. The study uses a stepped-wedge cluster randomized design, allowing all participant groups to receive enhanced usual care before transitioning to the experimental intervention. Data will be collected at various stages to assess changes in psychiatric symptoms.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults aged 18 and older who are currently inpatients at prayer camps and diagnosed with psychosis, mania, or depression.
Not a fit: Patients with serious physical illnesses requiring urgent medical attention may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve mental health outcomes for individuals with serious mental illness in West Africa.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in integrating mobile health technologies with traditional care models, suggesting potential success for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years or older * Speaks Twi or English * Current inpatient staying at a study prayer camp * A diagnosis of psychosis, mania, or depression Exclusion Criteria: * Serious physical illness or in need of urgent medical attention
Where this trial is running
Accra
- University of Ghana — Accra, Ghana (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Dror Ben-Zeev, PhD — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Dror Ben-Zeev, PhD
- Email: dbenzeev@uw.edu
- Phone: 206-685-9655
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.