TITLE:
Experience and Impact of the “Well-Track” Physical Activity and Sleep Tracker Based Healthy Lifestyle Intervention for Patients in an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) Service
AUTHORS:
Chris Griffiths, Kate Walker, Harmony Jiang
KEYWORDS:
Fitbit, Tracker, Psychosis, Exercise, Sleep, Wearables, Activity
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Psychiatry,
Vol.13 No.2,
April
17,
2023
ABSTRACT: Background:
Physical activity and sleep are interconnected with mental health, physical
health, wellbeing, quality of life, cognition, and functioning. Compared to the
general population, people who experience psychosis are more likely to have low
levels of physical activity, high levels of sedentary behaviour, and sleep
problems. Intervention: The Well-Track intervention addresses these issues
through: provision of a wearable activity and sleep tracker (Fitbit); physical
activity and sleep hygiene advice; a brief motivational interview; a
goal-setting workbook; and three engagement, feedback and discussion sessions
with early intervention in psychosis (EIP) staff. Participants: Thirty
participants using an EIP service took part in an eight-week intervention.
Thirteen participants (6 males; 7 females) with an age range of 18 to 61 years
old (M = 28 years) took part in an interview. Methods: A qualitative
approach was used to conduct in-depth semi-structured interviews. Thematic and
content analyses were employed to analyse the data. Results: Participants set
goals, made lifestyle changes to their daily routine and integrated a Fitbit
and its functions into their lives that resulted in more physical activity and
enabled more effective sleep. This resulted in improved self-management,
positive feelings and thoughts, motivation, confidence, social engagement,
mood, health, and wellbeing. Participants made progress towards goals they had
set. Conclusion: Well-Track has been successfully integrated into an EIP
service and it could be delivered through all EIP and other healthcare services
where there is a need to promote healthy lifestyle behaviours.