Protocol for the MYPREP-ED Trial: A Hybrid Type II Effectiveness-Implementation Trial of a Peer-delivered Digital Self-Management Tool (MyBRANCHES) for Young People Transitioning From Early Intervention Psychosis Services

<p><i><b>Background:</b>&nbsp;</i>Peer-supported self-management following crisis care discharge has demonstrated benefits for adults with severe mental illness, yet such support at Early Intervention Psychosis Services discharge has received limited attention. The MyPREP-ED (My Personal Recovery Plan for Early Discharge) trial will evaluate a co-designed, digital and paper-based, peer-delivered recovery and self-management focused intervention, tailored for young people exiting EIPS. This protocol describes a hybrid type II effectiveness–implementation trial designed to assess MyPREP-ED’s impact, feasibility, real-world implementation and cost-utility.</p> <p><b><i>Methods:&nbsp;</i></b>The trial delivered across 8 Australian EIPS that deliver UHR and/or FEP streams uses a multi-site, mixed-method, two-arm (1:1), parallel group, randomised controlled design (MyPREP-ED vs treatment as usual) using a hybrid type II implementation–effectiveness design. Eligible participants are young people aged 16 and over within six months of planned discharge from EIPS. Peer coaches will deliver up to 10 sessions of using a self-management plan (modules: discharge; recovery; wellbeing; relapse-prevention; goal setting; service navigation). Co-primary outcomes include: (1) mental health recovery (Recovery assessment scale-domains and stages (RAS-DS); effectiveness outcome) and (2) feasibility (Feasibility of Implementation Measure (FIM); implementation outcome). Secondary outcomes assess broader effectiveness domains (mental health quality of life, clinical and functional outcomes) and other implementation outcomes. A cost-utility analysis will estimate incremental costs and QALYs associated with MyPREP-ED, alongside a secondary cost-effectiveness analysis. Analyses will follow intention-to-treat using mixed-effects models.</p> <p><b><i>Discussion:&nbsp;</i></b>This study will provide the first rigorous test of a co-designed, peer-delivered recovery and self-management focused intervention specifically targeting EIPS discharge.&nbsp;<i></i></p>