Engagement with Psycho-social Interventions within an Early intervention in Psychosis Service
Felicity Fanning1, Roisin Doyle1, Patrick Egan1, Elizabeth Lawlor1, Niall Turner1, Mary Clarke1,2,3,4; 1DETECT Early Intervention for Psychosis Service, Dublin, Ireland, 2Saint John of God Community Services Limited, 3University College, Dublin, Ireland, 4Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
Background: The factors that influence engagement with any medical service are complex and likely influenced by both patient and service related variables. The role of the family is also likely to be significant. In this study we examine the levels of engagement within of an early intervention (EIP) service. Methods: We established the rates of engagement within the constituent parts (Assessment, Carer Education; Group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for Psychosis and Occupational Therapy) of the DETECT EIP service between 2006 and 2012. Results: 1,131 suspected cases of psychosis were referred to DETECT between 2006 and 2012. 9.6% (n = 109) did not engage with the assessment process and were considered ‘true non-engagers’. Of the 1,022 people who engaged with the assessment 49.4% (n = 505) had a confirmed diagnosis of FEP. 80% (n=400) of this group were invited to avail of psychosocial Interventions. Overall 31.6% (n=131) did not engage with any psychosocial intervention. 68.4% (n=283) engaged with at least one intervention: 42% (n=174) engaged with at least two interventions and 39.2% (n=111) engaged with just one intervention. 54% (n=174) people who were offered the Carer Education engaged with the intervention. 52% of those offered group CBT engaged with the intervention and 60% (n=130) of people offered individual Occupation Therapy engaged with the programme. Discussion: This study reports an overall disengagement rate of 30% from psychosocial interventions within an EI service for psychosis. At the outset specific strategies to enhance engagement should be considered.
Topic Area: Psychosocial Interventions