Using Short Message Service as a Means of Clinical Engagement in Early Psychosis

Using Short Message Service as a Means of Clinical Engagement in Early Psychosis

Engagement with clinical services for youth with early psychosis represents a significant challenge, with up to 40% of patients dropping out of treatment in the first year. This has been linked to worse illness outcomes and represents a significant barrier to recovery for these patients. This study aims to evaluate the efficacy of short message service (SMS) as a means of improving clinical engagement in early-episode psychosis populations by bridging contact between appointments with weekly check-ins/reminders. These weekly check-ins during the first year of treatment will serve as an additional opportunity to reach out to patients and give them a chance to do the same with their care teams, with patient responses triggering clinician follow-up if necessary.

Inclusion Criteria:

• between the ages of 16-29
• a diagnosis of an affective or non-affective psychotic disorder (i.e., Bipolar or Major Depressive Disorders with Psychotic Features, Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders, Other Specified Psychotic Disorders, Substance Induced Psychosis and Attenuated Psychotic Syndrome)
• eligible for follow-up within the Slaight Family Centre for Youth in Transition early intervention service
• within the first 6 months of treatment

Exclusion Criteria:

• involved in another intervention study
• do not have a personal cell phone number