The field of mobile health applications is rapidly increasing as a growing number of users search for easily accessible and effective interventions for health problems. Cannabis consumption is highest among younger adults who can develop in time cannabis use disorder (CUD), a condition that negatively impacts their mental and social wellbeing.
Dr. Jutras-Aswad and his team at the CRCHUM is leading an innovative research project aiming at using technology-based psychological interventions to address cannabis related problems in young adults with psychosis. Using a collaborative approach that included national and international researchers, clinicians, and patient partners, our team identified optimal psychological interventions that could be hosted by a mobile application.
In partnership with Akufen, a Montreal-based media design company, the first version of the application “iCanChange” (iCC) was developed in French and English. Based on the feedback received from young adults treated for psychosis and CUD, we further adapted the language, design, and functionality of the application. After a two-year development process that included overcoming unexpected challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, we are enthusiastic to announce that iCC is ready to be used as part of a clinical trial. Participant recruitment will start in the next few weeks at the CHUM’s jeune adultes souffrant de psychose (JAP) clinic and other clinics from Quebec and other provinces. Over a period of 24 weeks, we will evaluate participants’ acceptability and satisfaction of using iCC and its effect on cannabis consumption and psychosis. Informed by the results, we look forward to further adapting iCC to increase its utility and prepare for the next steps to make it available to a larger number of young adults with psychosis and CUD.