IMAGINATOR 2.0: Co-design and Early Evaluation of a Novel Blended Digital Intervention Targeting Self-harm in Young People

Launched by IMPERIAL COLLEGE LONDON · Mar 7, 2024

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

An open single-arm study that investigates the IMAGINATOR intervention comprising of delivery of Functional Imagery Training (FIT) for self-harm supported by a new co-designed smartphone app for young people aged 12-25 who experience current repeated self-harming behaviour and have been referred to adult community mental health services (Mental Health Integrated Network Teams; MINT) or Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).

For the purpose of this study, self-harm is defined as per NICE guidelines (NICE, 2012): "an act of self-poisoning or self-injury, irrespective ...

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Aged 12 - 25 years old
• • 2. Presented with at least 2 episodes of self-harm lifetime, with at least 1 of these in the past month or 5 episodes of self-harm in the past year (based on NSSI Disorder criteria in the DSM-5) and currently reporting self-harm urges or difficulties stopping
• • 3. Have a smartphone
• • 4. Can commit to attending 3 consecutive weekly FIT sessions, and 5 follow-up telephone sessions, and assessments over follow up period as required by the study
• • 5. Have adequate English language ability to permit the assessment and experimental measures to be completed, and use the smartphone app
• • 6. Willing to consent to receive support to reduce / improve management of self-harm urges and behaviour; in person or by video, and over the phone and via smartphone app
• • 7. If 12 - 15 years old, willing for parent/guardian to provide consent to study participation
• • 8. Willing to have letters sent/phone calls made to their GP and other relevant clinicians
• • 9. Resident within geographical areas covered by the West London NHS Trust CCAMHS and MINT teams.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• The participant may not enter the study if any of the following apply:
• • 1. Severe learning disability or pervasive developmental disorder
• • 2. Current acute psychotic episode
• • 3. Current substance dependence
• • 4. Imminent risk of suicide or harm to others (based on clinicians' risk assessment, see Section 4.1)
• • 5. Insufficient English language fluency to complete study outcome measures
• • 6. Taking part in concurrent treatment studies investigating pharmacological or psychological treatment for self-harm
• • 7. Unwilling to engage actively in the FIT intervention or to use an imagery-focused approach for treatment
• • 8. Unwilling to use a smartphone app.