Early Psychosis Intervention Network (EPINET): Measurement-Based Care and Targeting Cognition and Motivation Study

PI: Sophia Vinogradov, MD

In this study, the CoTIPP (Vinogradov) Research Lab is taking a dynamic new approach to early psychosis care by investigating the impact of precision psychiatry, cognitive training, and motivational support. Our EPINET study is supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) initiative that encourages practice-based research in specialty care clinics to improve clients’ treatment outcomes. Our multi-site project has two aims: Aim 1 provides measurement-based care to our clients via remote assessments. This data is then delivered via personalized progress summaries to both clients and clinicians. A shared understanding of the data facilitates a collaborative relationship and the creation of personalized treatment plans. Aim 2 is a randomized clinical trial of an intervention that provides support in two key areas: cognitive training and motivation. Clients engage with this intervention remotely via two mobile apps (Brain HQ and PRIME) over a period of 12 weeks. Our goal in studying measurement-based care and mobile interventions is to offer our clients individualized treatment and hope that is backed by data.

To learn more about the national EPINET initiative, please visit https://nationalepinet.org/.

About This Study

PURPOSE
Our study has two objectives:

Aim 1: Evaluate the impact of providing measurement-based care via remote assessments to create individualized treatment plans.
Aim 2: Measure the effectiveness of cognitive training and motivational interventions on behavior, cognition, and functioning. Interventions are delivered remotely via mobile apps (BrainHQ and PRIME) over a period of 12 weeks.

STUDY DESIGN
Our study is designed to gather information in two different ways:

Aim 1 is a chart review study of measures of symptoms, behavior, functioning, and cognition, delivered as standard of care. There are no other research activities for Aim 1.
Aim 2 is a randomized clinical trial that clients can opt in to. Participants are assigned to one of two groups: Treatment as Usual (TAU) or Targeted Cognitive Training (TCT). The TCT group completes 20 hours of cognitive training over 12 weeks via a mobile app. This group also has access to PRIME motivational support mobile app (with no specific
targets for engagement).

POPULATION
The population we are studying includes 15–40-year-old clients with recent-onset psychotic illness who are receiving treatment at participating clinics.

LOCATIONS
Our EPINET study covers six early psychosis treatment teams across five specialty care clinics in Minnesota: four urban clinics (Minneapolis and St. Paul), a suburban clinic (St. Louis Park), and a rural clinic (Duluth).
Urban Clinics

HOPE Program (Hennepin Healthcare) – Minneapolis, MN
Strengths Clinic (University of Minnesota Medical Center First Episode of Psychosis: Riverside Campus) – Minneapolis, MN
STRIDE Program (University of Minnesota Medical Center First Episode of Psychosis: Riverside Campus) – Minneapolis, MN
Compass First Episode Psychosis Program (Radias Health) – St. Paul, MN Suburban Clinic
NAVIGATE Program (University of Minnesota Physicians) – St. Louis Park, MN Rural Clinic
Human Development Center – Duluth, MN

Aim 1 Overview: Measurement-Based Care

Learn more here.

Aim 2 Overview: Cognitive Training and Motivational Support

Learn more here.

Aim 2: About BrainHQ (Cognitive Training App)

Learn more here.

Aim 2: About PRIME (Motivational Support App)

Learn more here.