Actively Recruiting
Evaluation of a Brief Intervention to Improve Engagement in Early Intervention Services for Psychosis
Led by Nova Scotia Health Authority · Updated on 2026-02-19
40
Participants Needed
1
Research Sites
99 weeks
Total Duration
On this page
Sponsors
N
Nova Scotia Health Authority
Lead Sponsor
Q
Queen Elizabeth II Health Sciences Centre
Collaborating Sponsor
AI-Summary
What this Trial Is About
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.
CONDITIONS
Official Title
Evaluation of a Brief Intervention to Improve Engagement in Early Intervention Services for Psychosis
Who Can Participate
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if you...
- Within first 3-12 months of treatment in early intervention services.
- Diagnosis of a psychotic disorder using DSM-5 criteria for schizophrenia spectrum and related disorders.
- Diagnosis made within the past 5 years.
- Aged between 19 and 35 years old.
You will not qualify if you...
- Primary diagnosis other than a psychotic disorder.
- Outside the age limits of 19 to 35 years.
- Intellectual disability with IQ less than 70.
AI-Screening
AI-Powered Screening
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Trial Site Locations
Total: 1 location
1
Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program (NSEPP)
Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada, B3H 2E2
Actively Recruiting
Research Team
B
Brannon Senger
CONTACT
P
Phil Tibbo
CONTACT
How is the study designed?
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Masking
NONE
Allocation
NON_RANDOMIZED
Model
PARALLEL
Primary Purpose
TREATMENT
Number of Arms
2
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