RecruitingNot ApplicableNCT06410508

Evaluation of a Brief Intervention to Improve Engagement in Early Intervention Services for Psychosis

Evaluation of a Brief Intervention to Improve Engagement and Recovery for At-risk Youth Enrolled in Early Intervention Services for Psychosis .

Sponsor

Nova Scotia Health Authority

Enrollment

40 participants

Start Date

Sep 1, 2024

Study Type

INTERVENTIONAL

Conditions

Psychotic Disorders Engagement, Patient Psychiatric Hospitalization

Summary

Negative experiences with healthcare prior to referral to early intervention services for psychosis (EIS) have been linked to poor engagement and clinical outcomes. Recent research indicates that young adults who come to EIS services thru emergency departments, urgent care, or inpatient services have significantly greater rates of future use of these services as well as more negative perceptions of EIS and diminished engagement in treatment compared to young adults referred to EIS by other pathways. These findings suggest a need for additional support to be provided to EIS patients, especially those with prior negative healthcare experiences, to maximize treatment engagement and outcomes. A recent USA-based trial of a brief intervention addressing barriers to disengagement (Just Do You), including prior negative healthcare experiences, showed promise in improving engagement and recovery. This project seeks to adapt and evaluate the Just Do You intervention to a young adult early psychosis population in Nova Scotia. The investigators aim to recruit young adults from the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program to engage in 2 psychotherapy/psychoeducation sessions co-led by a clinician and peer support worker. Following the intervention, the investigators will measure improvements in participants' engagement and recovery to determine the effectiveness of the program. Outcomes between participants with negative prior healthcare experiences and those without will be compared to assess differential impact of the intervention for high-risk sub-groups. This project has the potential to improve patients' engagement in EIS care and enhance recovery outcomes for young adults.

Eligibility

Min Age: 19 YearsMax Age: 35 Years

Plain Language Summary

Simplified for easier understanding

This study tests a brief program designed to help people with early-stage psychosis stay engaged with their mental health treatment. Early intervention is crucial for psychosis, but many people drop out of care — this study aims to fix that. **You may be eligible if...** - You have been diagnosed with a psychotic disorder (such as schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder) within the last 5 years - You are currently in the first 3–12 months of an early intervention program - Your diagnosis was made using current diagnostic standards (DSM-5) **You may NOT be eligible if...** - Your primary diagnosis is not a psychotic disorder - You fall outside the study's age range - You have an intellectual disability (IQ below 70) Talk to your doctor to see if this trial is right for you.

This summary was AI-generated to explain the trial in plain language. It is not medical advice. Always discuss eligibility with your doctor before enrolling in a clinical trial.

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Interventions

OTHERJust Do You

As described in further detail previously, the experimental intervention is a brief psychotherapeutic intervention informed by principles of CBT and motivational interviewing that is co-delivered by a mental health clinician and peer support worker. This intervention will be a version of the initial intervention delivered in the "Just Do You" trial by Munson et al.(2022), adapted for increased suitability with our clinical population.