ConnectionsRx: A Distance-Based, Community Participation Intervention for Young Adults with Serious Mental Illness (SMI)

This project studies the efficacy of ConnectionsRx, a technology-based, distance intervention to increase community participation of young adults with serious mental illnesses. These young adults are receptive to technology-based interventions that target increased participation in the community. This population is already adept at using Short Message Servicing (SMS) and social media technologies and by harnessing these tools, providers can deliver non-invasive interventions that have the potential to reach participants in their communities, providing near-real time support. ConnectionsRx draws upon the Individualized Placements and Supports model and the Competence Enhancement model and consists of a 1-1 intervention with mobile supports and a peer-based social media support group. Specific objectives include: (1) conducting a randomized, controlled trial in order to (2) test the effectiveness, feasibility, and acceptability of ConnectionsRx. This project utilizes a randomized, controlled design with repeated measures (baseline, midpoint, and post treatment) with 80 young adults with serious mental illnesses, gathering data in three areas: efficacy (community participation, participation efficacy, and health-related outcomes), feasibility, and acceptability. Project objectives include: (1) gathering input from individuals with lived experience; (2) developing a ConnectionsRx training manual; and (3) evaluating the feasibility, efficacy, and acceptability of the ConnectionsRx intervention.<br><br>Data were collected at three time points: at baseline and at three-month and six-month follow ups.<br><br>The submitted data include the survey instrument along with the data for all three time points.