TechCare: Mobile-AssessmenT and ThErapy for PsyCHosis: An Intervention for Clients Within the EArly InteRvention SErvice

TechCare: Mobile-AssessmenT and ThErapy for PsyCHosis: An Intervention for Clients Within the EArly InteRvention SErvice

The aim of the project is to conduct a feasibility study of the mobile phone application "TechCare" for individuals with psychosis in the North West of England.

This feasibility study will follow the NIHR guidance on feasibility study design (NIHR, 2014) and will consist of both qualitative and quantitative components. The study will run across three strands as follows 1) Qualitative work & Systematic review 2) Test run and Intervention refinement 3) Feasibility trial.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Each client must be accepted into the Psychosis Group of the Lancashire Early Intervention Service.
• Ages 18 - 35 years
• Medication stable for previous two months
• Clients must be currently stable-The Lancashire Early Intervention Team uses a traffic light system to indicate current symptomatology and risks of each client. For this study we will use only clients with a Green Light, signifying that they are currently stable.
• A score of 3 or more on positive symptoms on the PANSS
• Minimum score of 1 on the Calgary depression scale.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Drug induced psychosis
• An acquired brain injury or learning disability
• Clients who are undergoing assessment, not formally diagnosed and accepted into the service.
• Lacking capacity for informed consent.
• Ultra High Risk of Developing Psychosis Group (i.e. Prodromal, not first episode)