The EMPOWER Study
EMPOWER is a three year research project to develop and test new ways of helping people with experience of psychosis to stay well. The approach is underpinned by evidence which demonstrates that the early identification of psychosis is possible but for a variety of reasons it can be hard to act upon.
EMPOWER (Early signs Monitoring to Prevent relapse in psychosis and promote Wellbeing, Engagement and Recovery) aims to develop and evaluate an App for use with adults who experience psychosis. The App enables routine self-monitoring for a variety of different experiences, including psychotic experiences (eg hearing voices, experiencing suspicious thoughts), anxiety, mood and self-esteem.
Phase 1 involved examining different perspectives on early signs monitoring, preferences for using mobile technology and current opportunities and barriers to help-seeking. Information gathered at this stage informed how the App was developed and the approach to testing in phase 2, a cluster randomized controlled trial (C-RCT) in community based mental health services operated within the NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde and North Western Mental Health areas.
The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment (NIHR-HTA) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) - through a Collaborative Research Grant.
To read more about the EMPOWER approach, its research methods and to read regular updates from the team, please visit the study's website at: https://empowerstudy.net/
