ORAL PRESENTATION

I. Ashfaq, P. Selby, O. Melamed, L. Lachance, R. Carriere, R. Dragonetti, G. Amirthavasar, E. Dettmer, G. Foussias, S. Grewal, M. Hahn, J. Haltigan, S. Kidd, S. Ahola Kohut, D. Korczak, B. Mulsant, A. Perivolaris, T. Tulloch, A. Voineskos, I. Zenlea

People living with psychosis experience a 15 to 20 year shorter life expectancy due to increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease caused by poor diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use and metabolic side effects of antipsychotic medication. Currently, patients and their families receive fractured care, as their health care professionals may not be located in the same clinic. The Technology-Enabled Collaborative Care for Youth (TECC-Y) model aims to address the high prevalence of cardiovascular disease in this vulnerable population by promoting collaboration between health care professionals. This new model uses technology to create a “one-stop shop” prototype that facilitates communication of best practices across health care sectors to address the complexity of a holistic treatment approach that attends to both mental and physical health.
This feasibility study compares an innovative TECCY model that promotes health behaviour change with traditional self-help materials for youth living with first episode psychosis. The TECCY model uses an exclusively web-based platform and mobile application. Participants randomized into Group 1 will be assigned a Care Coordinator who will arrange weekly one-on-one virtual calls to provide support, assess progress, enhance motivation, and provide appropriate local resources. The Care Coordinator will meet weekly with the virtual care team (including an addictions specialist, dietitian, peer mentor, occupational therapist and psychiatrists) to develop a treatment plan for the participant. Group 1 participants will also have access to interactive educational modules regarding their cardiovascular health, goal-setting tools and additional resources. Group 2 participants will receive traditional health behaviour psychoeducation information. This model could inform best practices for the provision of holistic treatment for complex populations.