Adaptation of a Digital Health Intervention to Enhance Recovery and Prevent Relapse in Adults Diagnosed with Psychotic Disorders: Phase 1 of the Horyzons Canada Research Program
Shalini Lal et al.
Background: There is increased interest in leveraging eHealth innovations developed and tested in one country or jurisdiction and transporting them to other settings. However, limited knowledge exists on the processes needed to adapt digital health innovations to optimize their transferability and effectiveness across geographical, cultural, and contextual settings.
Objective: To assess the initial acceptability of Horyzons (a digital health intervention to prevent relapse and support recovery in young people diagnosed with first-episode psychosis) and adapt it in preparation for pilot testing in Canada.
Approach: This mixed-methods research took place in 2 specialized clinics for FEP, located in 1 urban and 1 urban-rural setting, in 2 Canadian provinces. A total of 26 participants were recruited: 15 clinicians (age range 26-56 years) and 11 patients (age range 19-37 years). Following the Digital Health Adaptation Framework, we completed 3 stages of data collection (focus groups, interviews, and consultations) and adaptations.
Findings: Patients and clinicians appreciated the strengths-based approach and social media features of Horyzons, however, clinicians expressed concerns regarding site moderation, crisis management, and rural internet speed. Participants suggested adaptations to community resources, volume of text, accessibility features, and accessibility. We also adapted the terms of use, time zone, moderation protocols, need help feature, and trigger words.
Relevance: This study can help inform researchers, service providers, decision makers, and other community partners interested in implementing digital mental health innovations across geographical, cultural, and contextual settings to optimize their effectiveness.
References:
Lal S, Gleeson J, Rivard L, D’Alfonso S, Joober R, Malla A, Alvarez-Jimenez M
Adaptation of a Digital Health Innovation to Prevent Relapse and Support Recovery in Youth Receiving Services for First-Episode Psychosis: Results From the Horyzons-Canada Phase 1 Study. JMIR Form Res 2020;4(10):e19887
URL: https://formative.jmir.org/2020/10/e19887
Lal S, Gleeson J, Malla A, Rivard L, Joober R, Chandrasena R, Alvarez-Jimenez M
Cultural and Contextual Adaptation of an eHealth Intervention for Youth Receiving Services for First-Episode Psychosis: Adaptation Framework and Protocol for Horyzons-Canada Phase 1. JMIR Res Protoc 2018;7(4):e100
URL: https://www.researchprotocols.org/2018/4/e100
