Abstract
BackgroundSmartphone-based ecological momentary assessment and intervention (EMA/I) show promise for enhancing psychological treatments for psychosis. EMA has the potential to improve assessment and formulation of experiences which fluctuate day-to-day, and EMI may be used to prompt use of therapeutic strategies in daily life. The current study is an examination of these capabilities in the context of a brief, coping-focused intervention for distressing voice hearing experiences.Methods/designThis is a rater-blinded, pilot randomised controlled trial comparing a four-session intervention in conjunction with use of smartphone EMA/I between sessions, versus treatment-as-usual. The recruitment target is 34 participants with persisting and distressing voice hearing experiences, recruited through a Voices Clinic based in Melbourne, Australia, and via wider advertising. Allocation will be made using minimisation procedure, balancing of the frequency of voices between groups. Assessments are completed at baseline and 8 weeks post-baseline. The primary outcomes of this trial will focus on feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and trial methodology, with secondary outcomes examining preliminary clinical effects related to overall voice severity, the emotional and functional impact of the voices, and emotional distress.DiscussionThis study offers a highly novel examination of specific smartphone capabilities and their integration with traditional psychological treatment for distressing voices. Such technology has potential to enhance psychological interventions and promote adaptation to distressing experiences.Trial registrationAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry, ACTRN12617000348358. Registered on 7 March 2017.
Highlights
Smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment and intervention (EMA/I) show promise for enhancing psychological treatments for psychosis
The use of digital technology for promoting mental health self-management is becoming a prominent area of research
Few research trials have investigated the clinical utility of Ecological momentary assessment (EMA)/I in the form of specialised smartphone apps or mobile devices; the existing literature highlights the promise of this technology for promoting selfmanagement of mental health [18,19,20,21, 81]
Summary
Smartphone-based ecological momentary assessment and intervention (EMA/I) show promise for enhancing psychological treatments for psychosis. There have been dramatic advances in digital technology over the last two decades, opening unprecedented opportunities for developing tools to assist in mental health care These tools include computers, tablets, smartphones and wearable sensors, which can provide both accessible and cost-effective support, as well as the potential for more reliable and effective methods of assessment and monitoring [1]. For those with persisting mental health problems, such as psychosis, where access to support and self-management is often required on a day-to-day basis, these technologies may assist in overcoming existing barriers to effective treatment. Smartphone apps are a booming area of both research and industry, with more empirical evaluations needed to help refine features to minimise risks and maximise benefits [5]
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