Grant: Operating Grant: SPOR Innovative Clinical Trial Multi-Year Grant

In this study, we aim to implement a type of coordinated multidisciplinary care, known as 'NAVIGATE' in Ontario to help youth and emerging adults (YEA) suffering from a first episode of psychosis (FEP). Although Ontario already has early psychosis intervention (EPI) programs, our team's recent work has identified major challenges of delivering coordinated care, particularly those elements of care that enhance recovery. These challenges also exist nationally and internationally. By building on the already existing EPI community of practice through the Early Psychosis Intervention Ontario Network, we will implement NAVIGATE with the help of CAMH's Provincial System Support Program facilitators. The use of tele-videoconferencing through ECHO Mental Health Ontario, and the processes and protocols that ECHO provide us with an opportunity to ensure sustainability. Using Institute for Clinical Evaluative Sciences (ICES) data, i.e. health administrative data, we can compare hospitalization and emergency department visit rates of YEA suffering from an FEP in Ontario regions where NAVIGATE is implemented compared to regions where NAVIGATE is not implemented. In addition, we can also evaluate health care costs. Prior to initiating this project, we obtained the input of YEA with an FEP and family members. We will also continue to measure engagement across the study. This work fulfills the innovative clinical trial mandate through its implementation and measurement plan, along with the strategy for patient-oriented research through the involvement of patients, family members, and policy makers as equal partners.