Testing a New Device to Advance the Use of Social Skills Training With Mental Health Consumers and Clinicians

Overview

This study aims to test a new device called the Social Skills Coach that is being created to help mental health consumers with social skills and community functioning. People diagnosed with schizophrenia and clinicians will be included as participants in this study. Mental health consumers (diagnosed with schizophrenia) will be randomly assigned to either test the new device or to participate in a social skills training course. Data will be collected from participants through surveys before participants either use the device or participate the course and afterwards. Individual interviews will be conducted with a sub sample of mental health consumers and clinicians. The study looks to test the credibility and acceptability of the new device to help mental health consumers and clinicians. it will also influence future research.

This phase I pilot study tests the feasibility, credibility, and acceptability of the prototype version of Social Skills Coach in terms of its use among mental health consumers and clinicians. The intervention aims to improve social and daily living skills and community functioning among people diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorder. A mixed methods approach will be taken to collect quantitative data at baseline and follow-up. Quantitative data collection includes the use of surveys that comprise validated instruments. Qualitative data collection will occur at the end of the study and will include the use of semi-structured interviews to capture experiential information. Study participants will be randomly assigned to either a social skills training course (control group) or to a study arm using the Social Skills Coach program (treatment group). The study aims to demonstrate proof of concept for a larger effectiveness trial.