Feasibility and Acceptability Study of an Engagement Intervention for Family Members in Early Intervention Programs for Psychosis

Sep 30, 2026

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Family involvement in early-intervention services for psychosis remains comparatively low, with documented disparities across ethnoracial groups. This pilot study examined the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary effects of the Family Motivational Engagement Strategy (FAMES) among family members of clients enrolled in coordinated specialty care (CSC). Implemented across five first-episode psychosis (FEP) CSC programs using a modified stepped-wedge design, FAMES used brief weekly contacts over 12 weeks. Forty-three participants were recruited and 72% completed all 12 weeks. High satisfaction was reported, 86% of scheduled appointments were attended, and engagement showed no significant ethnoracial differences. Exploratory results linked FAMES engagement to CSC engagement, supporting feasibility and acceptability in CSC settings.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Coordinated specialty care and family education/support

Prior evidence on family engagement and disparities

Barriers and the need to improve engagement

ARTICLE OPEN Feasibility and acceptability study of an engagement intervention for family members in early intervention programs for psychosis Oladunni Oluwoye 1 ✉ , Bryony Stokes1, Karina Silva Garcia 1, Michael T. Compton2, Dennis G. Dyck3, Roberto Lewis-Fernández2, Sterling M. McPherson 1, Leopoldo J. Cabassa4 and Michael G. McDonell 1 Despite evidence supporting the involvement of family members in early-intervention services for psychosis, rates of family engagement have been relatively low, and disparities exist. This study investigated the acceptability, feasibility, and preliminary impact of Family Motivational Engagement Strategy (FAMES) with family members of clients enrolled in coordinated specialty care (CSC) . A feasibility and acceptability pilot study of FAMES was conducted in ﬁve CSC programs for FEP using a modiﬁed steppedwedge design. FAMES consists of brief weekly contacts based on communication preferences (i.e., phone, text messages, email) and the use of culturally responsive strategies over 12 weeks. Assessments were completed at baseline and weeks 4, 8, and 12 . Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability, and secondary outcomes were engagement in FAMES and CSC. Forty-three participants were recruited (approximately 85% of the target recruitment sample of 50) and 72%(n = 31) completed all 12 weeks. Participants reported high rates of satisfaction with FAMES. Regarding engagement, 86% of scheduled FAMES appointments were attended, and no signiﬁcant ethnoracial differences in engagement were observed. Exploratory analyses revealed engagement in FAMES was associated with engagement in CSC. Findings demonstrated the feasibility and acceptability of delivering FAMES within CSC settings for family members/support persons. A subsequent study is needed to examine the efﬁcacy and real-world implementation of FAMES. Schizophrenia (2026)12:5; [https://doi.org/10.1038/s41537-025-00701-2](https://doi.org/10.1038/s41537-025-00701-2) INTRODUCTION Coordinated specialty care (CSC) and other early-intervention models are considered the gold standard of care for ﬁrst-episode psychosis (FEP)1. CSC is comprised of evidence-based treatmentsand practices, including family education and support (e.g., family psychoeducation)2–7. In the development of CSC models in the U.S., family education and support was included as a core component due to the vital role family members often play in providing emotional and practical support for many individuals with FEP. For example, family members assist with navigating and initiating mental health services, scheduling appointments, advocacy, and medication adherence8. Providing education and support services to family members also helps them directly, improving their ability to care for individuals with FEP2,5,9. Beneﬁts to family members include improved coping skills, increased knowledge and skill building, and reduced burden, distress, and expressed emotion10. The beneﬁt of engaging family members in the care of their loved one leads to positive impacts on clinical and functional outcomes for those enrolled in services. Research has shown that family involvement increases client engagement, decreases relapse, and improves quality of life11–14. Given the role family members play across the continuum of care for psychosis, their engagement in their loved ones’ care is vital. Yet, studies have shown low rates of family engagement in CSC despite the beneﬁts previously identiﬁed, and some studies have revealed ethnoracial disparities. Using data from the Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode—Early Treatment Program (RAISE-ETP), Oluwoye and colleagues found that fewer than 50% of participants’ family members attended family education and support appointments across two years15. Observational studies using data collected from CSC implemented throughout the [U.S. report](U.S. report) not-dissimilar ﬁndings. In Illinois and Minnesota, approximately 55% of clien

FAQs

What is FAMES and how was it delivered in the study?

FAMES is a family motivational engagement approach using brief weekly contacts based on communication preferences (phone, text, email) plus culturally responsive strategies. It was delivered over 12 weeks in five CSC programs.

How did the study measure feasibility and acceptability?

Primary outcomes were feasibility and acceptability, assessed alongside secondary measures of engagement in FAMES and CSC. Assessments occurred at baseline and at weeks 4, 8, and 12.

What engagement results did participants show?

Participants reported high satisfaction with FAMES, and 86% of scheduled FAMES appointments were attended. The study also found no significant ethnoracial differences in engagement.

Sep 30, 2026

Upload by Riley