Introducing an implementation framework for augmenting care with digital technology for early psychosis patients: theory and motivation

Abstract

Background Treatment programs for early-course psychosis are evidence-based interventions that provide specialty care to improve outcomes in patients. Digital technologies offer the potential to augment services and meet the growing demand for care. Aims We introduce a framework to guide the assessment of site readiness for technology and their ability to successfully introduce, implement, and sustain digital technology use. While broader in use that early course psychosis, we focus on this use case to introduce the theory and clinical application. Methods Adapting the replicating effective programs framework, we present an early psychosis focused model. Considering the unique opportunities and challenges of these programs, we present a five-stage evaluation framework. Informed by our clinical experience and recent literature, we present tools and examples to help programs plan and execute successful technology implementation. Results The AACCS framework is comprised of five stages: (1) Access (e.g. identifying access to and comfort with technology), (2) Align (e.g. understanding aspects technology can augment), (3) Connect (e.g. customizing technology to stakeholder needs), (4) Care (e.g. implementing technology into treatment), and (5) Sustain (e.g. creating sustainable services). Site visits revealed patients have access to digital tools and are open to implementation into care, while staff prefers digital skills training. Conclusions This framework assists programs in identifying clinical targets to be augmented with technology, stages of implementation, and recommendations for sustaining meaningful technology use.