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SHARP

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Smartphone Health Assessment for Relapse Prevention in Early Psychosis



The Aim of the Project:


The SHARP study aims to create a scalable digital solution for monitoring relapse risk and providing timely support to individuals with schizophrenia. Improving prediction and prevention of relapse is a critical starting point in beginning to address the care gap for people living with schizophrenia.

The SHARP initiative harnessed the power of digital technology to predict and prevent relapse for those living with schizophrenia.

Central to this effort was the development and adaptation of LAMP (Learn, Assess, Manage, Prevent)—an innovative open-source smartphone application and digital dashboard designed to deliver tailored care to its users.

The Background:


Schizophrenia is recognized by the WHO as one of the leading causes of disability in the world with a large gap in available psychosocial interventions, especially in low- and middle- income countries. Relapse is a significant concern for individuals with schizophrenia, often occurring within five years and leading to poorer outcomes. SHARP focuses on predicting and preventing relapse to bridge the care gap. Leveraging smartphones and smartwatches, we aim to gather real-time data on patients' symptoms, behaviors, and physiology to develop personalized relapse signals.


The Project Components:
 

The SHARP project was completed in two phases:

Phase 1: Qualitative Feedback and mindLAMP adaptation

Phase 1 involved patients, family members, and clinicians in co-designing and adapting LAMP to meet their needs and to account for contextual factors specific to each research site. Through focus groups with clinicians, patients, and their families, adaptations were made to the app to improve usability, functionality, and ensure cultural relevance across the study sites in Boston, Bengaluru, and Bhopal.

Phase 2: Observational Lamp Study

Phase 2 assessed the real-world use and effect size of the new and updated LAMP app in both predicting and preventing relapse. 150 individuals across all sites with clinical diagnoses of schizophrenia participated in Phase 2 in testing the efficacy of the app that informed the development of a digital solution that monitors the personal risk of relapse in individuals living with schizophrenia and supports timely response to potential risks using real-time and evidence-based adjunctive digital resources.


Supporters and Project Duration:
 

The SHARP initiative was generously supported by the Wellcome Trust, marking a significant period of research and development from 2020 to 2022. This project exemplifies a forward-thinking approach to mental health care, leveraging digital advancements to make significant strides in the management and treatment of schizophrenia.


To read more about the project visit: SHARP | Sangath