Measurement-based care (MBC) is an evidence-based practice that incorporates routine outcome assessment using validated rating scales to guide collaborative clinical decision-making. Although MBC results in improved outcomes for patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), there are barriers to its broad implementation in clinical settings. The use of "enhanced" MBC (eMBC), with mobile apps that allow patients to track outcomes and engage in self-management via WeChat, may address some of these barriers. The investigators hypothesize that implementation with eMBC using WeChat will be superior to standard MBC implementation using paper-pencil assessments at the clinic, for both implementation and clinical outcomes.
The investigators present a trial protocol for a 2-arm cluster randomized controlled trial (RCT) with a hybrid implementation-effectiveness design comparing standard MBC implementation versus eMBC implementation with 6-month follow up in 12 mental health centers in Shanghai, China. The eMBC implementation uses a WeChat mini-program that includes outcome tracking using brief questionnaires and self-management lessons supplemented with support by a lay coach via WeChat.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1,200
The experimental group will implement eMBC with our WeChat Easy to Recover from Depression Mini-Program, which consists of mood tracking and lay-coached self-management.
The control intervention group will implement standard MBC using paper and pencil questionnaires.
Shanghai Mental Health Center
Shanghai, Shanghai Municipality, China
RECRUITINGPatient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9)
To evaluate the severity of depressive symptoms by patients. Remission: total score ≤ 4.
Time frame: up to 6 months
Proportion of patients with a Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) score
Proportion of patients with a PHQ-9 score entered in the clinical record.
Time frame: up to 6 months
Patient Health Questionnaire-9(PHQ-9) change scores
The changes in PHQ-9 scores and depression categories were determined by subtracting the final PHQ-9 score from the initial PHQ-9 score. Therefore, a negative change in PHQ-9 represents a lessening of depression symptoms while a positive change in PHQ-9 represents an increase in depression symptoms.
Time frame: up to 6 months
The Sheehan disability scale (SDS)
To evaluate the functional impairment, including work/study, daily life and family responsibility. The score of each subscale ranged from 0 to 10 which means from no impairment to loss of function.
Time frame: up to 6 months
Quality of Life scale (QOL-6)
To evaluate the quality of life in patients with MDD. The higher the total score, the better the quality of life.
Time frame: up to 6 months
EuroQoL 5 Dimensions (EQ-5D)
To evaluate the quality of life in patients with MDD. The higher the total score, the better the quality of life.
Time frame: up to 6 months
Health economic assessment (HEA)
To evaluate the health services utilization. Economic outcomes will include health service utilization data (both mental health- and non-mental health-related) from the HEA and from available EMR/chart records, including health provider encounters, emergency room visits, hospitalizations, diagnostic tests, and prescriptions.
Time frame: up to 6 months
Patient Adherence Questionnaire(PAQ)
To evaluate the medication adherence.The PAQ is a two item measure, with the first question assessing level of adherence (quantified as number of days in the past week in which medication was not taken) and item 2 assesses reasons for non-adherence.
Time frame: up to 6 months
Scale To Assess Therapeutic Relationships in Community Mental Health Care (STAR-P)
To assess the therapeutic relationship between patients and clinicians in community mental health care settings.It contains 12 items and each item is rated on a 5-point Likert scale, with answers ranging from 0 to 4.
Time frame: up to 6 months
Proportion of patients who accessed the WeChat Easy to Recover from Depression Mini-Program at least once
Proportion of patients who accessed the WeChat Easy to Recover from Depression Mini-Program at least once.
Time frame: up to 6 months
Proportion of patients who completed at least 4 of 6 lessons in Come Back mini-program
Proportion of patients who completed at least 4 of 6 lessons in the Come Back mini-program.Come Back mini-program is a part of the WeChat Easy to Recover from Depression Mini-Program,which consists of 6 weekly lessons based on cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) principles.
Time frame: up to 6 months
System Usability Scale
To evaluate patient satisfaction by qualitative interviews.Participants are asked to score 10 items with one of five responses that range from Strongly Agree to Strongly disagree.
Time frame: up to 6 months
Evidence Based Practice Attitude Scale (EBPAS)
To evaluate clinician satisfaction by qualitative interviews.Participants are asked to score 15 items with one of five responses that range from Not at All to To a Very Great Extent.
Time frame: up to 6 months
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