The Long-Term Effects of Cellular Telephone-Delivered Telephone Intervention Problem Solving (TIPS) for Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders (SSDs): Rationale and Design.

Abstract Introduction. Although an extensive body of literature suggests that face-to-face problem-solving interventions are an effective means of fostering psychiatric medication adherence for persons with SSDs, the majority of outpatients with SSDs lack access to this proven intervention. There is a need for exploration of alternate delivery methods for problem solving. Design. This randomized controlled trial will examine the effectiveness of cellular telephone delivered Telephone Intervention - Problem Solving (TIPS) upon medication adherence, medication self efficacy and symptom management in outpatients with SSDs over 9 monthsMethods. To ensure consistent telephone access, all one hundred twenty eight participants will be provided a basic cellular telephone with unlimited local calling for 9 months. Participants will be randomly assigned to treatment as usual plus weekly TIPS or treatment as usual only (TAU). Assessment of serum medication levels, pill count medication adherence, medication attitudes and psychiatric symptoms will be conducted at baseline and every 3 months on all participants. Summary.In addition to testing the long term effect of TIPS, this study will provide information on the responses to our cellular telephone delivery method. We believe this information will be critical as we continue to explore a variety of cellular telephone technologies to provide needed interventions to persons with SSDs in a feasible, economical way.