Improving physical health and reducing substance use in psychosis--randomised control trial (IMPACT RCT): study...

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Public Health
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Individuals with severe mental illnesses (SMI) experience higher rates of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
• Addressing physical health comorbidities is crucial for this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of IMPACT Therapy, a health promotion intervention, for individuals with SMI.
• To determine if IMPACT Therapy improves quality of life and health behaviors compared to treatment as usual.

Main Methods:

• A multicentre, two-arm, parallel cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing IMPACT Therapy to treatment as usual (TAU).
• IMPACT Therapy is patient-tailored, targeting behaviors like substance use, smoking, diet, and exercise using motivational interviewing and CBT.
• Outcomes measured include quality of life (Short Form-36) and cost-effectiveness at 12 and 15 months, analyzed on an intention-to-treat (ITT) basis.

Main Results:

• The study hypothesizes that IMPACT Therapy plus TAU will be more effective than TAU alone in improving patients' quality of life.
• A subsidiary hypothesis suggests IMPACT Therapy will be more cost-effective.

Conclusions:

• The trial results will inform community mental health teams on using IMPACT Therapy to manage physical comorbidities in severe mental illness.
• This research provides evidence on a structured approach to improving holistic health in individuals with SMI.