For the RAISE initiative, we developed the NAVIGATE model of coordinated specialty care (CSC) for first episode psychosis which supports the EPINET goal of furthering measurement-based care and shared treatment decisions. To meet the EPINET goal of improving treatment, having all sites providing treatment using the same model has distinct advantages. Therefore, we have engaged 11 NAVIGATE sites in 4 states, enabling us to address challenges in different regions and find solutions that are not dependent on the environment and support of a single state. Based on our experience training NAVIGATE sites and analyses of RAISE-ETP data, we have identified targets for improvement of services. Our specific targets for improvement divide into two categories. First, initial approaches added to NAVIGATE care for all participants to provide an enhanced version of NAVIGATE (E-NAVIGATE). Second, three research projects target critical junctures in CSC care. Study 1 aims to reduce duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). In RAISE-ETP median DUP was 74 weeks and had a significant impact on quality of life and symptoms. We will study the effect of targeted ads that appear in response to specific terms when someone searches the internet. We expect that this will increase the number of young people who will come to our clinics with shorter DUP. Study 2 addresses further reduction of hospitalization. Even with CSC, approximately one third will be hospitalized within 2 years and poor adherence to medication can lead to hospitalization. Direct observation of treatment can substantially improve adherence and reduce hospitalization. We will study a unique suite of methods for direct observation delivered as an app on a smart phone to support adherence. In a randomized trial we will compare this intervention to usual E-NAVIGATE to improve adherence and reduce hospitalization. Study 3 is designed to identify E-NAVIGATE participants who are at high risk for disengagement, and to intervene in order to prevent/delay disengagement because even with CSC, 30-50% of participants will disengage from treatment within 2 years. We will compare an internet delivered version of E-NAVIGATE that reduces treatment burden to usual clinical strategies to prevent disengagement. We will build upon our RAISE-ETP and post-ETP experience to build a unique network that will deliver an evolving CSC that changes based upon feedback from experience and a dedicated informatics platform. Research, designed to be generalizable not only to our network but to CSC practice more broadly, will set the stage for the next generation of CSC deployment.
This project links 11 clinics in four states that now provide the NAVIGATE model of coordinated specialty care with a scientific hub. Implementation of standard measures and integrated data sets will facilitate rapid learning to improve the fidelity and quality of early phase psychosis. Research will address obstacles to care, reducing hospitalizations and preventing premature treatment discontinuation.
