The App4Independence (A4i) is a patented validated digital therapeutic and digital biomarker platform for severe mental illnesses (SMIs). The A4i app and clinical portal collects data for clinical decision support, engagement enhancement and readmission risk identification. Using ambient, NLP and engagement data, A4i improves outcomes and provides relapse risk detection. A4i is a trans-diagnostic platform which has cross cutting applications across many SMIs. A4i addresses critical gaps during pivotal points in the recovery process by providing tools to improve outcomes, enhance clinician-patient engagement and identify risk of relapse. A mobile app and web/EMR based portal, the interventions allow those who are isolated and experiencing challenges related to more complex issues (bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, other psychoses) to connect and interact in a human + machine learning moderated feed without adding burden to existing healthcare systems. The feed shows upcoming medication, social, and care reminders, peer-to-peer content and evidence-based supports. A4i provides a patent-pending ambient hallucination detector to help patients determine the difference between ambient noise and hallucinations. Other features include short diaries for patients and wellness reports that demonstrate trends in medication adherence, sleep, goal tracking, and mood. Risk data collected by the app is also reflected on a patient’s profile moderated by peer-support workers, case managers and clinical therapists. Early feasibility testing shows significant improvements in several symptom domains and results have been captured in an academic publication in PLOS One. The team has recently been awarded CIHR funding to continue exploration of the outcomes related to the use of the digital therapeutics. A4i is a Joint Venture between the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health and MEMOTEXT Corporation.
