Project Details
Description
Despite the availability of highly evidence-based interventions for Bipolar Disorder (BD) there are substantial gaps in access to high-quality care for youth with BD in Australia. New models of care, particularly those including digital
technologies could help bridge this gap. Bipolar Early intervention using New Digital technologies (BLEND) is an innovative model of care that combines evidence-based psychiatric, psychological and relapse-monitoring
interventions. Our formative work has included estimation of local needs, stakeholder engagement, development of digital implementation tools and examination of preliminary acceptability of the model. In this project, we aim to
examine the effectiveness of the BLEND model, as well as the acceptability and feasibility of the proposed implementation strategies in a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial, as well as an external implementation case study. We will partner with Orygen, a youth mental health clinical service; headspace, the national youth mental health foundation; Healthscope Hospitals, through one of its private psychiatric hospitals and the Victorian Department of
Health. To evaluate the effectiveness of the BLEND model, we will conduct a three-site, randomised controlled trial comparing this model with standard care. We will include 160 help-seeking young people with BD aged 15-25 years, with the intervention model delivered over 6 months. The primary outcome is change in their health-related quality of life over the intervention period. For the implementation evaluation, we will examine the reach, adoption, fidelity and uptake of the implementation, as well as maintenance of these outcomes.
This application brings together service providers, managers and researchers to evaluate this innovative model for those with a serious mental illness. If successful, this program will provide compelling data for the team, as well as
the partners to prepare for wider translation of the BLEND model.
technologies could help bridge this gap. Bipolar Early intervention using New Digital technologies (BLEND) is an innovative model of care that combines evidence-based psychiatric, psychological and relapse-monitoring
interventions. Our formative work has included estimation of local needs, stakeholder engagement, development of digital implementation tools and examination of preliminary acceptability of the model. In this project, we aim to
examine the effectiveness of the BLEND model, as well as the acceptability and feasibility of the proposed implementation strategies in a type 2 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial, as well as an external implementation case study. We will partner with Orygen, a youth mental health clinical service; headspace, the national youth mental health foundation; Healthscope Hospitals, through one of its private psychiatric hospitals and the Victorian Department of
Health. To evaluate the effectiveness of the BLEND model, we will conduct a three-site, randomised controlled trial comparing this model with standard care. We will include 160 help-seeking young people with BD aged 15-25 years, with the intervention model delivered over 6 months. The primary outcome is change in their health-related quality of life over the intervention period. For the implementation evaluation, we will examine the reach, adoption, fidelity and uptake of the implementation, as well as maintenance of these outcomes.
This application brings together service providers, managers and researchers to evaluate this innovative model for those with a serious mental illness. If successful, this program will provide compelling data for the team, as well as
the partners to prepare for wider translation of the BLEND model.
| Short title | Bipolar digital early intervention |
|---|---|
| Acronym | BLEND |
| Status | Active |
| Effective start/end date | 23/11/22 → 1/02/27 |