From Prevention to Community Integration: IPCST for Severe Mental Illness in Chinese Communities (Hong Kong and Beijing)

Summary

This research project aims at early detection, early intervention, and recovery of individuals with psychosis and prevention of their family members who are at high risk of having developmental problems and developing psychosis episode in later stages of their life.

It consists of two major parts with the following study designs \& aims:

Part I : Developing a comprehensive and integrative psychosocial and community skills training programme (IPCST) and conducing a pilot randomised controlled trial to compare the study outcomes between the two settings in Hong Kong and Beijing.

1. To develop IPCST as an innovative intervention model targeting individuals with first or recent onset of psychosis to reduce their stay in mental hospital and bridges them to independent living in the community with optimal social and professional support;
2. To evaluate IPCST in terms of the clinical, vocational, and psychosocial outcomes of participants using a randomized controlled trial design and compare these outcomes between Hong Kong and Beijing;
3. To examine the cost-effectiveness of IPCST in the two cities; and
4. To train professionals and research personnel in Hong Kong and mainland for implementation

Part II: Exploring the health needs of younger family members of individuals with early psychosis and the strategies in preventing this clinical high risk group from developing psychotic episode and developmental problems in later stages of their lives.

1. To identify the potential developmental problems or sufferings of theses younger family members living with patients with mental illness;
2. To provide baseline assessment of their psychosocial stress, mental health, and quality of life;
3. To identify interventions that may prevent them from developing psychosis and other developmental problems and improve their mental health.

Conditions

• Psychosis

Interventions

BEHAVIORAL

IPCST

Integrative Psychosocial \& Community Skills Training (IPCST) programme The IPCST programme includes: 1. psychoeducation, internalized stigma reduction, \& strength and coping enhancement 2. motivational interviewing skills 3. Neurocognitive and social cognitive training (Au, Tsang, So, Bell, Cheung, et al., 2015) 4. augmented supported employment with social skills training (Tsang, Fung, Li, Leung \& Cheung, 2010) and 5. family and patient involvement in care

BEHAVIORAL

E.A.S.Y

The E.A.S.Y. (Early Assessment Service for Young People with Early Psychosis) Programme is a service programme for people suffering from early psychosis. The E.A.S.Y programme includes: 1. Extensive public education 2. Early referral and assessment 3. Ongoing treatment services

Sponsors & Collaborators

• The Hong Kong Polytechnic University

  lead OTHER

Study Design

Allocation

RANDOMIZED

Purpose

TREATMENT

Masking

SINGLE

Model

PARALLEL

Eligibility

Min Age

18 Years

Max Age

55 Years

Sex

ALL

Healthy Volunteers

No

Timeline & Regulatory

Start

2018-08-31

Primary Completion

2019-12-31

Completion

2019-12-31