BACKGROUND
Studies have consistently found that many individuals with first-episode psychosis experience significant delays before receiving treatment. Current research investigating treatment delays has focused on the relationship between demographic factors and duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). However, treatment-seeking behaviours in this group have not been investigated.


AIMS
To examine psychological processes that influence the decision-making process to contact primary care, in individuals with emerging psychosis.


METHOD
The influence of coping style, health locus of control and past health help-seeking behaviour on DUP was investigated in clients with a first episode of psychosis. This involved scrutiny of general practitioner (GP) records in an average of 6 years before the first treatment.


RESULTS
Shorter DUP was associated with more frequent GP attendance in the 6 years before the onset of psychosis and lower health threat avoidant coping scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with short DUP have history of higher contact with their GP and, as a group, tend not to avoid health threats. The study underlines the importance of engaging young people and their families with primary care as one of a series of strategies to reduce DUP.

Tc5d eden: evaluating the development and impact of early intervention services in the west midlands

Duration of Untreated Psychosis and Pathways to Care

Aim The purpose of this paper is to review fidelity and outcome measures which can be used to support broad implementation of first episode psychosis services and ensure quality of existing services. First episode psychosis services use a combination of evidence‐based practices to improve the outcome of a first episode of psychosis and the early stages of schizophrenia. Now that there is an established international evidence base to show that they are effective, efforts are being made to make such services widely available as a routine part of health care. Methods We provide an overview of the literature from the perspective of an expert task force that was commissioned to report to the board of the International Early Psychosis Association IEPA. First, we examined the evidence‐based components that underpin first episode psychosis services and identified common elements. Next, we reviewed the availability of fidelity measures and outcome indicators, finally we reviewed how broadly these services are delivered internationally, and the barriers to ensuring broad access to quality services. Results There is a growing consensus about the elements required to deliver effective services. Fidelity scales and performance measures are available to assess quality, access, and outcome. First episode psychosis services are variably offered in high‐income countries and rarely with attention to access and quality of services. Several strategies to promote implementation are identified. Conclusions Fidelity scales and outcome measure are valuable resources to support widespread implementation and quality assurance for first episode psychosis services.

background or methods

/pdf/fidelity-scales-and-performance-measures-to-support-1lcebvl7cf.pdf

Tc5d eden: evaluating the development and impact of early intervention services in the west midlands

Citations

Duration of Untreated Psychosis and Pathways to Care

Fidelity scales and performance measures to support implementation and quality assurance for first episode psychosis services

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