A telemedicine platform to improve clinical parameters in paranoid schizophrenia patients: Results of a one-year randomized study.

OBJECTIVE

The study objective was to test a smartphone-based MONEO platform designed to improve the clinical condition of paranoid schizophrenia patients. Telemedicine treatment is considered to be as effective as traditional treatment in outpatient clinics.

METHOD: A total of 290 patients with paranoid schizophrenia in the symptomatic remission state were recruited to this 12-month multicenter, open-label randomized trial. A study group (n = 191) received a smartphone with the MONEO platform installed. Patients conducted cognitive training twice a week. Patients' mental state was assessed every month via teleconference. A placebo group (n = 99) received a platform with functionality limited to monthly teleconsultation and performing cognitive training every 6 months. The clinical status was measured using the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS), Calgary, and Clinical Global Impression-Severity (CGI-S) clinical scales.

RESULTS

After 12 months, a significant reduction of symptoms was observed in the study group, as assessed using the Calgary (36%, P < 0.01) and PANSS (8.6%, P < 0.05) scales. Symptom reduction of 23.6% was also observed in the placebo group (P < 0.05, Calgary scale). In the study group, depression, positive symptoms, excitement, general psychopathology and disorganization subscales decreased significantly, while in the placebo group, only the depression subscale decreased. The greatest improvement of 11.2% (study group, P < 0.05), vs 16.2% (placebo group, P < 0.05), was observed for the depression subscale.

CONCLUSION

The MONEO platform was demonstrated to positively influence the clinical condition of individuals with paranoid schizophrenia. A lack of negative consequences associated with usage of the device was also reported.