RecruitingObservational

CONNECT: using electronic devices (e.g. smartphones, smartwatches) to predict relapse of psychosis

Psychosis can cause distressing experiences, such as hearing voices or holding unusual beliefs. Symptoms often come and go, and spotting when someone is starting to become unwell can be difficult. The CONNECT study is testing whether everyday digital technology, like smartwatches and smartphones, can help predict a relapse before it happens. Participants wear a fitness tracker and carry a smartphone for 12 months. These devices passively gather information on sleep and movement, while a mobile app asks brief questions about mood and wellbeing throughout the week. Participants also complete questionnaires every four months. Led by the University of Manchester, the study aims to recruit 1,100 people across the UK who receive care from NHS mental health teams. By learning how daily habits and mood shift before symptoms return, researchers hope to create tools that allow mental health teams to provide help much sooner.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

University of Manchester

Enrolment target

1,100

Start

01 Mar 2024

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2027

Psychosis

What is this study about?

Psychosis is a mental health condition that affects how a person perceives the world around them. It can cause people to see or hear things that others do not (hallucinations) or hold strong, unusual beliefs that can feel very frightening (delusions). Many people experience periods where their condition is stable, but symptoms can sometimes return or become more intense. In healthcare, this is referred to as a relapse.

Catching the earliest warning signs of a relapse is one of the best ways to prevent someone from becoming severely unwell or needing hospital care. However, it can be challenging for both individuals and mental health teams to notice small daily changes. Researchers at the University of Manchester are investigating whether technology can help solve this problem. Everyday devices, like smartwatches and mobile phones, automatically track patterns such as sleep quality, movement, and activity levels.

The CONNECT study aims to find out whether changes in these digital patterns, combined with quick answers to daily mood questions, can accurately predict when a relapse might happen. If successful, this research could transform how the NHS supports people living with psychosis, enabling care teams to offer personalised support at the exact moment it is needed most.

Key takeaways

Tests whether smartwatches and phones can spot early warning signs of a psychosis relapse.
Open to people aged 16+ with schizophrenia spectrum conditions supported by the NHS.
Lasts for 12 months and involves wearing a digital wristband and using a simple app.
Does not replace or change your regular NHS medications or appointments.
Entirely voluntary—you can stop participating at any time without impacting your care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is open to adults and young people aged 16 and over who are currently receiving care from an NHS secondary mental health team (such as a community mental health team or an early intervention service). Participants must have a diagnosed schizophrenia spectrum condition.

To be eligible, you need to have experienced an episode of psychosis within the last two years that required urgent care, such as support from a crisis team or a stay in hospital. However, you should feel reasonably stable right now; you cannot take part if you have experienced a relapse within the past 12 weeks.

You must also be able to understand and communicate in English, as the mobile app and study assessments are in English. Because taking part is voluntary, you must have the mental capacity to decide whether you want to join the study.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

I am 16 years of age or older.
I have a diagnosis of a schizophrenia spectrum condition.
I am currently receiving care from an NHS mental health team.
I had an episode of psychosis needing urgent or hospital care within the last two years.
I have been stable without a relapse for at least the last 12 weeks.
I can speak and read English.

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

Taking part lasts for 12 months. You will be provided with a wrist-worn tracker (such as a Fitbit or smartwatch) to wear and a smartphone with the CONNECT app installed. The devices will automatically collect background details, such as how much you move and how well you sleep. You will also receive short prompts on the app during the week asking how you are feeling. Every four months, you will fill out questionnaires about your symptoms, mood, and daily life. At the end of the year, you will meet with the research team to review what your data showed. A small group of 60 people will be invited to an extra interview to share feedback on using the technology. Taking part will not change your regular NHS treatment or prescribed medications.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part will not directly alter your medical treatment, but you will receive a personal summary of your sleep, activity, and mood patterns at the end of the year, which may help you better understand your own health. You will also be helping to improve future NHS care for others. Some questions about your mental health and feelings may feel sensitive or upsetting, but the research team is trained to support you, and you can skip any question you prefer not to answer. There is also a slight risk of skin irritation from wearing the watch strap. You are free to withdraw from the study at any point without giving a reason, and doing so will never affect your regular NHS care.

Locations (16)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Greater Manchester Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Manchester, England
Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Ashton-under-lyne, England
South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust
City only
Beckenham, England
Cardiff & Vale University UHB
City only
Cardiff, Wales
Aneurin Bevan University UHB
City only
Newport, Wales
Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Local Health Board
Unverified
Pontypridd, Wales
Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust
Unverified
Worthing, England
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Unverified
Glasgow, Scotland
NHS Lothian
Unverified
Edinburgh, Scotland
University of Manchester
Unverified
Manchester, England
University of Edinburgh
Unverified
Edinburgh, Scotland
University of Glasgow
Unverified
Glasgow, Scotland

Common questions

Will the study track my private phone calls or messages?

No. The devices only collect general data like your movement, sleep, and answers to mood questions. The study cannot read your private messages, listen to calls, or track websites you visit.

Do I have to pay for the smartwatch or the mobile app?

No. All equipment and software needed for the study are provided to you completely free of charge.

Will taking part change my current medication?

No. This study does not test any medications. You will continue taking your normal prescriptions and seeing your regular NHS care team.

What should I do if I feel unwell during the study?

The study app is not an emergency service. If you feel unwell or notice your symptoms getting worse, you should contact your usual care coordinator, GP, or local NHS mental health crisis team as normal.

Can I leave the study if I change my mind?

Yes. Taking part is completely your choice. You can step down at any time, and your decision will not affect the quality of your usual NHS treatment.

How to find out more

Jane Lees

jane.lees@manchester.ac.uk +44 (0)161 529 3834 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.