Key performance indicators and administrative data in an early psychosis service.

Abstract

This study aimed to introduce a set of administrative key performance indicators (KPIs) for Early Psychosis Services. The study design was longitudinal with data retrieved from a 4-year period between January 2009 and December 2013 included in the study. Descriptive statistics and t tests were used to evaluate the KPIs. Results in the 1 year before early psychosis (EP) intervention and 1-year postintervention were calculated for most items, and entry and exit scores were calculated for involuntary treatment orders (ITOs) and Health of the Nation Outcome Scale (HoNOS) scores. There was a 54% reduction in mental health emergency department presentations representing a cost saving of $62 524.00 (AUD). There was also an improvement in the number and duration of mental health admissions with a financial saving of $1 653 534.00 (AUD). Patients improved on all HoNOS scores from entry to exit from the services. ITOs were reduced by approximately 29% on discharge from the service. Administrative data can provide useful KPIs to measure the effectiveness of EP teams and allow benchmarking with similar services.