Assessing the Unmet Clinical Need and Opportunity for Digital Therapeutic Intervention in Schizophrenia: Perspective From People With Schizophrenia

Abstract

Introduction

Recent research has highlighted the increasing ubiquity of smartphone ownership as well as the feasibility of digital interventions within schizophrenia. Digital therapeutics, a subset of digital interventions, have established standards for efficacy and safety and are subject to regulatory oversight as Software as a Medical Device. Here, we present data from a survey that assessed the opportunity and expectations that people with schizophrenia have for a digital therapeutic designed to be delivered on top of antipsychotic pharmacotherapy.

Methods

Seventy-five people with schizophrenia completed a 10-item survey. Participants were between 22 and 55 years of age, reported no hospitalizations or medication changes within the past 3 months, and were currently seeing a psychiatrist. For each question, participants were asked to rank responses to provide a clear understanding of their preferences.

Results

Patients with schizophrenia reported the survey items that most impacted their daily life were: difficulty meeting new people (17%) and difficulty setting goals/completing activities in daily life and not being productive in their free time (both at 13%). The greatest unmet treatment needs reported by people with schizophrenia were: improving social skills (19%); reducing distress related to disease (19%); and being more productive in their free time (13%). In terms of expectations for what a digital therapeutic would include, the items reported as most important were: sharing progress with providers (13%); teaching ways to deal with symptoms (13%); and helping to set and achieve goals (12%).

Conclusion

Many of the top unmet needs that people with schizophrenia identified can be uniquely targeted by a digital therapeutic that augments their ongoing standard of care.

Funding

Boehringer Ingelheim International GmbH and CLICK Therapeutics, Inc.