6th Edition of World Nursing Science Conference 2026

Abstract

Schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSDs) are chronic psychiatric conditions associated with recurrent relapse, frequent hospitalization, poor medication adherence, and treatment disengagement. Despite advances in outpatient psychiatric care, symptom exacerbation often goes unrecognized between appointments, increasing the risk of psychiatric crises and rehospitalization. Digital self-monitoring technologies offer a promising strategy to identify early warning signs of relapse and support timely clinical intervention.
This evidence-based practice project evaluates the effectiveness of weekly digital self-monitoring of psychotic symptoms using a validated self-report instrument among adults aged 18–60 years with SSDs receiving outpatient psychiatric care who have experienced at least one psychiatric hospitalization within the previous year. Participants complete weekly symptom assessments in addition to standard outpatient treatment. Outcomes are measured over a six-month period and include psychiatric relapse, defined as psychiatric hospitalization, emergency department utilization, or crisis stabilization admissions related to worsening psychotic symptoms. Treatment engagement is evaluated through appointment attendance and medication adherence based on pharmacy refill records.
Current evidence supports the feasibility, validity, and acceptability of digital symptom monitoring among individuals with schizophrenia. Research indicates that structured digital monitoring may improve symptom awareness, facilitate early detection of relapse, enhance communication with providers, increase medication adherence, and reduce hospitalization rates. Integrating digital self-monitoring into routine outpatient psychiatric care may provide psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners with a scalable, patient-centered approach to improving treatment engagement and reducing relapse among adults with SSDs. Findings from this project may inform future implementation of technology-assisted interventions designed to improve continuity of care and psychiatric outcomes.