Clinicians’ experience of a digital intervention for psychosis in the context of a randomised controlled trial : a qualitative study

Bucci, Sandra and Zhang, Xiaolong and Di Basilio, Daniela and Berry, Natalie and Berry, Katherine and Edge, Dawn and Haddock, Gillian (2025) Clinicians’ experience of a digital intervention for psychosis in the context of a randomised controlled trial : a qualitative study. Psychosis. ISSN 1752-2439

Abstract

Background Although digital health interventions (DHIs) for psychosis demonstrate effectiveness and usability, their integration into routine care remains challenging. Clinicians play a key role in the adoption of DHIs, yet their perspectives on using these tools in practice and participating in DHI trials are underexplored. This study examined clinicians’ views on using DHIs in psychosis care and their experiences of involvement in the Actissist 2.0 randomised controlled trial. Methods Seven clinicians (six mental health nurses and one psychologist) who referred service users to the Actissist 2.0 trial were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Transcripts were analysed using thematic analysis. Results Two themes were identified, each with subthemes: (i) staff perceptions of the Actissist and ClinTouch apps, highlighting views on usability, clinical utility, potential impact, and considerations for implementation in routine care; and (ii) experiences of being involved in the Actissist 2.0 trial, including clinician engagement, referral processes, and perceived barriers and facilitators to trial participation. Discussion Successful implementation of DHIs in mental health services requires targeted training, organisational support, and enhancement of clinicians’ digital literacy. Cultivating a supportive clinical environment is essential to promote the integration of DHIs into standard practice.