The experience of working with dual diagnosis in an early intervention in psychosis team

Abstract

This paper presents the outcomes of a small qualitative study investigating the experience of mental health practitioners working with dual diagnosis in an early intervention in psychosis (EIP) team with a focus on the use of a specifically developed screening tool. Interviews were conducted with mental health professionals who were employed as care co‐ordinators within an EIP team. Grounded theory was adopted as a method for making sense of the data obtained. Six themes that emerged from the data are described: the importance of the cycle of change in treatment planning; service accountability and responsibility; the nature of psychotic illness; assumptions about substance use; confidence; and using the tool as part of the recovery process. These themes were discussed in relation to research surrounding psychosis, substance use and screening methods.Despite identifying the importance of a more integrated method of working with this complex service user group, gaps remain in practice. Modifications to the screening tool are recommended and a need for substance‐use‐specific interventions training for practitioners working within EIP services is identified.