Adapting Coordinated Specialty Care in the Post-COVID-19 Era: Study Protocol for an Integrative Mixed-methods Study

Area of Science:

• Mental Health Services Research
• Psychiatric Epidemiology
• Health Services Administration

Background:

• Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) programs offer evidence-based treatment for early psychosis.
• OnTrackNY, a New York State CSC model, operates a learning health care system (LHS) supported by OnTrack Central.
• The COVID-19 crisis necessitated adaptations in CSC service delivery.

Approach:

• This project will analyze modifications to OnTrackNY's CSC services during and after the COVID-19 crisis.
• An integrative mixed-methods approach, including qualitative interviews and analysis of program data, will be employed.
• The Framework for Reporting Adaptations and Modifications-Enhanced (FRAME) will systematically classify and analyze service modifications.

Key Points:

• Qualitative interviews will explore decision-making processes and the impact of service modifications on stakeholders.
• Analysis of OnTrackNY program data will track trends in staffing, functioning, service utilization, and participant outcomes.
• Modifications will be assessed for fidelity consistency and their impact on care processes and outcomes.

Conclusions:

• A "CSC Model Adaptation Guide" will be developed to inform CSC programs and mental health authorities.
• The guide will detail the impact of service modifications on care processes, utilization, and outcomes.
• Findings will support tailored technical assistance for CSC programs nationally within the Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET).