Designing and implementing a physical exercise intervention for people with first episode psychosis using experience-based co-design: A pilot study from Chennai, India
Vijayalakshmi, U Padmavati, R Raghavan, Vijaya Chandrasekaran, Sangeetha Mohan, Greeshma Durairaj, Jothilakshmi Lilford, Richard Furtado, Vivek Madan, Jason
Vijayalakshmi, U
Padmavati, R
Raghavan, Vijaya
Chandrasekaran, Sangeetha
Mohan, Greeshma
Durairaj, Jothilakshmi
Lilford, Richard
Furtado, Vivek
Madan, Jason
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Affiliation
Schizophrenia Research Foundation, Chennai, India; All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi; Douglas Mental Health University Institute; Montreal; McGill University; University of Warwick; University of Birmingham; Coventry and Warwickshire Partnership Trust
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Publication date
2024-07
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Abstract
Background: Physical exercise can improve outcomes for people with first-episode psychosis (FEP). Co-designing physical exercise interventions with end users has the potential to enhance their acceptability, feasibility, and long-term viability. This study's objective was to use experience-based co-design (EBCD) methodology to develop a physical exercise intervention for FEP, and pilot test it.
Methods: The study was conducted at the Schizophrenia Research Foundation's FEP program in Chennai, India. Participants(N=36) were individuals with FEP and their caregivers, mental health professionals (MHPs, and physical training experts. EBCD methodology included one-to-one interviews, focus group discussions, joint conferences, and co-design workshops. Two instructional videos were developed. Twelve FEP patients engaged in physical exercise with help of the videos over three months. They were followed up through weekly phone calls and in-person interviews to capture data on regularity, frequency, location of exercise, and comfort levels.
Results: Several touch points emerged from the interviews, focus groups, and joint meetings including lack of motivation, knowledge about physical exercise; differing perspectives about physical exercise; limited resource, and time constraints. Two instructional videos demonstrating activities for participants incorporated strategies that addressed these touch points. Pilot data indicated that participants engaged with the physical exercise intervention over 3 months.
Conclusion: This was the first study to use co-design methodology to design a physical exercise intervention for first-episode psychosis. The intervention may have therefore been responsive to stakeholder needs and preferences. Results of this study highlight the potential of co-design in designing and adapting interventions. There is need for rigorous testing with larger samples.
Citation
Vijayalakshmi U, Padmavati R, Raghavan V, Chandrasekaran S, Mohan G, Durairaj J, Currie G, Lilford R, Furtado V, Madan J, Birchwood M, Meyer C, Sood M, Chadda R, Mohan M, Shah J, John S, Iyer SN, Thara R, Singh S. Designing and implementing a physical exercise intervention for people with first episode psychosis using experience-based co-design: A pilot study from Chennai, India. Asian J Psychiatr. 2024 Jul;97:104072. doi: 10.1016/j.ajp.2024.104072. Epub 2024 May 15. PMID: 38815437; PMCID: PMC11279196.
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Article