Time to treatment of first-episode psychosis: the role of early intervention teams

Abstract

Background/Aims Psychosis can affect a person's functioning, quality of life and physical health. Early intervention for service users presenting with psychosis has been implemented via early intervention teams, but there are inconsistencies in assessment and treatment. The aim of this study was to examine time to treatment (defined as the commencement of antipsychotic medication) for service users experiencing first-episode psychosis, the impact of this and engagement with teams. The authors explored the effect of patient characteristics (eg gender, deprivation, ethnicity, age) and early intervention teams on time to treatment for psychosis. Methods A retrospective cohort study was undertaken using routine data of service users accessing three early intervention teams from 2018–19. The care records of 457 service users were examined, including patient characteristics, assessments, time to first contact, treatment and time to discharge. Data were analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences. Results Use of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale assessment tool differed across the three early intervention teams. Engagement with all teams varied by gender. Men were particularly slow to access treatment in one team (118 of 163 service users, 72.4%). Conclusions Increased emphasis on engaging male patients may improve service delivery. Improved communication between early intervention teams could increase standardisation of assessment and treatment.