Examining the Effectiveness of a Digital Media Campaign at Reducing the Duration of Untreated Psychosis in New York State: Results From a Stepped-wedge Randomized Controlled Trial.

ABSTRACT:

Background and hypothesis

Longer duration of untreated psychosis (DUP) predicts worse outcomes in First Episode Psychosis (FEP). Searching online represents one of the first proactive step toward treatment initiation for many, yet few studies have informed how best to support FEP youth as they engage in early online help-seeking steps to care.

Study design

Using a stepped-wedge randomized design, this project evaluated the effectiveness of a digital marketing campaign at reducing DUP and raising rates of referrals to FEP services by proactively targeting and engaging prospective patients and their adult allies online.

Study results

Throughout the 18-month campaign, 41 372 individuals visited our website, and 371 advanced to remote clinical assessment (median age = 24.

SUBMITTER: Birnbaum ML 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11059796 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Apr

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature