Using text messages to help young people transition from emergency care to early psychosis treatment
ED to EPI: Using SMS (Text) Messaging to Improve the Transition from the Emergency Department to Early Psychosis Intervention for Young People with Psychosis
NA · Centre for Addiction and Mental Health · NCT04298450
This study is testing if sending text messages can help young people with their first episode of psychosis stay engaged and attend their early treatment appointments after leaving the emergency room.
Quick facts
| Phase | NA |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 186 (estimated) |
| Ages | 16 Years to 29 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (other) |
| Locations | 1 site (Toronto, Ontario) |
| Trial ID | NCT04298450 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study aims to improve the transition of young individuals experiencing their first episode of psychosis from emergency department care to early psychosis intervention services using a two-way SMS/text messaging approach. Participants aged 16 to 29 referred to the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) will receive reminders, psychoeducation, and check-ins via SMS to enhance their engagement with treatment. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this intervention on attendance at initial consultations, long-term service engagement, and overall health service utilization. Additionally, the research will assess cost-effectiveness and gather user perspectives through surveys and interviews.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are individuals aged 16 to 29 who have been referred to the CAMH early psychosis intervention program for suspected psychosis.
Not a fit: Patients who are unable to communicate in basic written English may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this intervention could significantly improve treatment access and engagement for young people experiencing psychosis.
How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown promise in using mobile health interventions to improve patient engagement in mental health services, suggesting a favorable outlook for this approach.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Have been referred by the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH) emergency department or related acute services to the CAMH early psychosis intervention (EPI) program for suspected psychosis Exclusion Criteria: * Inability to communicate in basic written English
Where this trial is running
Toronto, Ontario
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health — Toronto, Ontario, Canada (RECRUITING)
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Nicole Kozloff, MD, SM — Centre for Addiction and Mental Health
- Study coordinator: Nicole Kozloff, MD, SM
- Email: n.kozloff@mail.utoronto.ca
- Phone: 4165358501
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.
Conditions: First Episode Psychosis, Psychosis, Psychotic Episode, Psychoses, Affective, Bipolar Disorder, Depressive Psychosis, Schizoaffective Disorder, Schizophreniform Disorders