Effects of a Peer-facilitated, Acceptance-based Self-learning for Illness Management (PASIM) Program

The program consists of 5 modules for ROP patients (translated, refined and validated by research team) and 4 group sessions (1.5 hours per session; 8-10 members/group; in-between completion of the 5 modules) facilitated by a peer-support worker over 5 months. The 5 modules include: Module 1-Patient's well-being; Module 2-Getting the best out of support services; Module 3-Acceptance and insight toward psychosis and long-term self-care; Module 4-Dealing with psychosocial effects of the illness- I; and Module 5-Dealing with physical/mental health effects of the illness- II. The 4 group sessions will be conducted at the orientation and after reading the 1st, 3rd and 5th module to introduce the program, encourage to complete the module per month, performing value clarifying and acceptance (psychological flexibility) exercises, and clarify and discuss self-care learning and and challenges.

The psychoeducation group (5 subgroups with 12-14 patients per group) will be led by one trained psychiatric nurse experienced in psychiatric rehabilitation and psychoeducation group. The program consists of 12 two-hour sessions held weekly or biweekly (similar to the PASIM) over 5 months with four key components, including introduction and goal setting; an education workshop on psychosis care and community service; learning effective coping and self-care skills with rehearsals/reviews; and skills practices and preparing for future life.

Participants receive usual community mental healthcare services provided by POPCs and ICCMWs.