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D'Arcey J, Torous J, Asuncion TR, Tackaberry-Giddens L, Zahid A, Ishak M, Foussias G, Kidd S. Leveraging Personal Technologies in the Treatment of Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: Scoping Review. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e57150. [PMID: 39348196 DOI: 10.2196/57150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Revised: 07/16/2024] [Accepted: 07/25/2024] [Indexed: 10/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Digital mental health is a rapidly growing field with an increasing evidence base due to its potential scalability and impacts on access to mental health care. Further, within underfunded service systems, leveraging personal technologies to deliver or support specialized service delivery has garnered attention as a feasible and cost-effective means of improving access. Digital health relevance has also improved as technology ownership in individuals with schizophrenia has improved and is comparable to that of the general population. However, less digital health research has been conducted in groups with schizophrenia spectrum disorders compared to other mental health conditions, and overall feasibility, efficacy, and clinical integration remain largely unknown. OBJECTIVE This review aims to describe the available literature investigating the use of personal technologies (ie, phone, computer, tablet, and wearables) to deliver or support specialized care for schizophrenia and examine opportunities and barriers to integrating this technology into care. METHODS Given the size of this review, we used scoping review methods. We searched 3 major databases with search teams related to schizophrenia spectrum disorders, various personal technologies, and intervention outcomes related to recovery. We included studies from the full spectrum of methodologies, from development papers to implementation trials. Methods and reporting follow the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. RESULTS This search resulted in 999 studies, which, through review by at least 2 reviewers, included 92 publications. Included studies were published from 2010 to 2023. Most studies examined multitechnology interventions (40/92, 43%) or smartphone apps (25/92, 27%), followed by SMS text messaging (16/92, 17%) and internet-based interventions (11/92, 12%). No studies used wearable technology on its own to deliver an intervention. Regarding the stage of research in the field, the largest number of publications were pilot studies (32/92, 35%), followed by randomized control trials (RCTs; 20/92, 22%), secondary analyses (16/92, 17%), RCT protocols (16/92, 17%), development papers (5/92, 5%), and nonrandomized or quasi-experimental trials (3/92, 3%). Most studies did not report on safety indices (55/92, 60%) or privacy precautions (64/92, 70%). Included studies tend to report consistent positive user feedback regarding the usability, acceptability, and satisfaction with technology; however, engagement metrics are highly variable and report mixed outcomes. Furthermore, efficacy at both the pilot and RCT levels report mixed findings on primary outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the findings of this review highlight the discrepancy between the high levels of acceptability and usability of these digital interventions, mixed efficacy results, and difficulties with sustained engagement. The discussion highlights common patterns that may underscore this observation in the field; however, as this was a scoping review, a more in-depth systematic review or meta-analysis may be required to better understand the trends outlined in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica D'Arcey
- Schizophrenia Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Clinical Psychological Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - John Torous
- Department of Psychiatry, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Toni-Rose Asuncion
- Schizophrenia Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychology, Research and Clinical Training, Concordia University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Aqsa Zahid
- Schizophrenia Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Clinical Psychological Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Mira Ishak
- Schizophrenia Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - George Foussias
- Schizophrenia Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Clinical Psychological Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Sean Kidd
- Schizophrenia Division, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Clinical Psychological Sciences, Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Scarborough, Toronto, ON, Canada
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Marshall P, Booth M, Coole M, Fothergill L, Glossop Z, Haines J, Harding A, Johnston R, Jones S, Lodge C, Machin K, Meacock R, Nielson K, Puddephatt JA, Rakic T, Rayson P, Robinson H, Rycroft-Malone J, Shryane N, Swithenbank Z, Wise S, Lobban F. Understanding the Impacts of Online Mental Health Peer Support Forums: Realist Synthesis. JMIR Ment Health 2024; 11:e55750. [PMID: 38722680 PMCID: PMC11117133 DOI: 10.2196/55750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 02/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 05/15/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Online forums are widely used for mental health peer support. However, evidence of their safety and effectiveness is mixed. Further research focused on articulating the contexts in which positive and negative impacts emerge from forum use is required to inform innovations in implementation. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to develop a realist program theory to explain the impacts of online mental health peer support forums on users. METHODS We conducted a realist synthesis of literature published between 2019 and 2023 and 18 stakeholder interviews with forum staff. RESULTS Synthesis of 102 evidence sources and 18 interviews produced an overarching program theory comprising 22 context-mechanism-outcome configurations. Findings indicate that users' perceptions of psychological safety and the personal relevance of forum content are foundational to ongoing engagement. Safe and active forums that provide convenient access to information and advice can lead to improvements in mental health self-efficacy. Within the context of welcoming and nonjudgmental communities, users may benefit from the opportunity to explore personal difficulties with peers, experience reduced isolation and normalization of mental health experiences, and engage in mutual encouragement. The program theory highlights the vital role of moderators in creating facilitative online spaces, stimulating community engagement, and limiting access to distressing content. A key challenge for organizations that host mental health forums lies in balancing forum openness and anonymity with the need to enforce rules, such as restrictions on what users can discuss, to promote community safety. CONCLUSIONS This is the first realist synthesis of online mental health peer support forums. The novel program theory highlights how successful implementation depends on establishing protocols for enhancing safety and strategies for maintaining user engagement to promote forum sustainability. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO CRD42022352528; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=352528.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Marshall
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Millissa Booth
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew Coole
- School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Lauren Fothergill
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Glossop
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Jade Haines
- IT Corporate Services, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew Harding
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Rose Johnston
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Steven Jones
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Lodge
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Machin
- Survivor Research Network, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Meacock
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Kristi Nielson
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Jo-Anne Puddephatt
- Department of Psychology, Edge Hill University, Ormskirk, United Kingdom
| | - Tamara Rakic
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Paul Rayson
- School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Heather Robinson
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Jo Rycroft-Malone
- Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Nick Shryane
- Social Statistics, University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Zoe Swithenbank
- Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Wise
- IT Corporate Services, Berkshire Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, Berkshire, United Kingdom
| | - Fiona Lobban
- Spectrum Centre for Mental Health Research, Division of Health Research, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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Ng F, Rennick-Egglestone S, Onwumere J, Newby C, Llewellyn-Beardsley J, Yeo C, Ali Y, Pollock K, Kotera Y, Pomberth S, Gavan SP, van der Krieke L, Robotham D, Gillard S, Thornicroft G, Slade M. Pragmatic, feasibility randomized controlled trial of a recorded mental health recovery narrative intervention: narrative experiences online intervention for informal carers (NEON-C). Front Psychiatry 2024; 14:1272396. [PMID: 38323025 PMCID: PMC10845336 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2023.1272396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Informal carers of people with mental health problems often have unmet support needs. Mental health recovery narratives are increasingly accessible, but their relevance to and effect on informal carers have been minimally investigated. The Narrative Experiences Online (NEON) Intervention is a first-in-field intervention that provides informal carers with access to a diverse collection of recorded mental health recovery narratives. This trial aimed to examine the feasibility and acceptability of the NEON Intervention for informal carers. Methods This study involved a two-arm feasibility randomized controlled trial. Carers were randomly assigned to receiving versus not receiving the NEON Intervention. The feasibility aspects investigated included the acceptability of the intervention and of randomization, trial processes, engagement rates, recruitment procedures, attrition, sample size estimation, identification of candidate primary and secondary outcomes, and the feasibility of conducting a definitive trial. A qualitative process evaluation was conducted. Findings A total of 121 carers were eligible, of whom 54 were randomized (intervention: 27, control: 27). Twelve-month follow-up data were available for 36 carers. Carers accessed a mean of 25 narratives over a 12-month period, and the intervention group, compared with the control group, reported a small effect on hope and a moderate effect on the presence of meaning in life. Five modifications were recommended to improve the user experience, applicability, and trial processes. Discussion The NEON Intervention is feasible and acceptable. Significant refinement of the NEON Intervention and trial processes is required to personalize and ensure applicability to carers. Further feasibility testing is recommended prior to a definitive trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fiona Ng
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Stefan Rennick-Egglestone
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Juliana Onwumere
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
- South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, Bethlem Royal Hospital, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Christopher Newby
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Joy Llewellyn-Beardsley
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Caroline Yeo
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yasmin Ali
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Kristian Pollock
- School of Health Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Yasuhiro Kotera
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Scott Pomberth
- NEON Lived Experience Advisory Panel, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Sean P. Gavan
- Manchester Centre for Health Economics, Division of Population Health, Health Services Research and Primary Care, The University of Manchester, Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Lian van der Krieke
- University Medical Center Groningen, University Center of Psychiatry, University of Groningen, Groningen, Netherlands
| | | | - Steve Gillard
- School of Health & Psychological Sciences, City, University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Graham Thornicroft
- Centre for Implementation Science, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mike Slade
- School of Health Sciences, Institute of Mental Health, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
- Health and Community Participation Division, Faculty of Nursing and Health Sciences, Nord University, Namsos, Norway
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Marshall P, Sansom K, Jagfeld G, Jones S, Lobban F. Caring for a friend or family member who has experienced suicidal behaviour: A systematic review and qualitative synthesis. Psychol Psychother 2023; 96:426-447. [PMID: 36786386 PMCID: PMC10952656 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Friends and family members can be important sources of support for people who are or have been suicidal. This review aimed to synthesise qualitative evidence regarding carers' perspectives of supporting someone who has experienced suicidal behaviour. METHODS Five electronic databases (Web of Science, CINAHL, PsychINFO, MEDLINE, and SocINDEX) were searched from inception to May 2022. Eligible qualitative studies were published in English and investigated the caring experiences of friends or family members of people who had experienced suicidal behaviour, defined as any form of suicidal ideation and/or attempts. Studies focused on non-suicidal self-injury or suicide bereavement were excluded. Data from 19 eligible studies were analysed using thematic synthesis. RESULTS Initial carer reactions to suicidal behaviour included profound anxiety and intensive monitoring for signs of increased suicide risk amongst those they supported. Carers also reported significant challenges with understanding how to provide effective interpersonal support following suicidal crises. Professional support was perceived to be most effective when provided in a timely, interpersonally sensitive and safety-focused manner. However, several studies detailed carers' difficulties accessing appropriate support and challenges managing their own distress. CONCLUSIONS Carers face significant challenges with knowing how to respond to suicidal behaviour, where to find appropriate help, and how to manage their own distress. Future research should seek to investigate the effectiveness of easily accessible methods of information provision and support tailored for carers of people who have experienced suicidal behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Marshall
- Division of Health Research, Spectrum Centre for Mental Health ResearchLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - Keith Sansom
- Division of Health Research, Spectrum Centre for Mental Health ResearchLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - Glorianna Jagfeld
- Division of Health Research, Spectrum Centre for Mental Health ResearchLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - Steven Jones
- Division of Health Research, Spectrum Centre for Mental Health ResearchLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
| | - Fiona Lobban
- Division of Health Research, Spectrum Centre for Mental Health ResearchLancaster UniversityLancasterUK
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Eckardt JP. Urgency for Digital Technologies to Support Caregivers. Comment on "Telehealth-Based Psychoeducation for Caregivers: The Family Intervention in Recent-Onset Schizophrenia Treatment Study". JMIR Ment Health 2022; 9:e40147. [PMID: 35771612 PMCID: PMC9284359 DOI: 10.2196/40147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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