One Year Outcome Evaluation of a Canadian First Episode Psychosis Program
Poster A103, Thursday, October 20, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Sharman Robertson MD FRCPC1,2,3, Angela Stevens MA1, Gretchen Conrad PHD C.Psych1,2,3, Paul Roy MD FRCPC; 1The Ottawa Hospital, 2The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, 3The University of Ottawa
Purpose: To evaluate the outcome of 102 Canadian First Episode Psychosis (FEP) patients after 1 year of interdisciplinary treatment. Materials and Methods: We collected consent and outcome data on patients aged 16-35 years with a FEP. Results: Mean age was 25 years (SD = 7.35), 61% male, 92% English speaking, 100% diagnosed with a primary psychotic disorder. Positive and Negative Symptom Scale scores decreased from 70.70 to 52.74 (SD = 17.96, t = 9.6, p < .000), General Assessment of Functioning scores increased from 48.74 to 57.41 (SD = 21.07, t = -4.05, p < .000), and Clinical Global Impression severity scores reduced from 4.35 to 2.47 (SD = 1.48, t = 10.7, p < .000). Quality of Life scores for a smaller sample (N = 33) improved on general satisfaction (p = .027) and total score (p = .000). Fewer clients were on community treatment orders (7 vs 2). More clients were engaged in activities (e.g., work, school; x2 = 4.66, p = 0.31), were employed (24 vs 32), had independent income (15 vs 22) and reduced family reliance (36 vs 17). 68% of patients were hospitalized in the two years before program admission (mean admissions = 1.14, SD = 1.13; mean length of stay [LOS] = 18.71, SD = 22.69) versus 7% in the six months before follow up (mean admissions = 0.1, SD = 0.37; mean LOS = 2.39, SD = 11.92). Conclusions: There were statistically significant improvements in relevant outcome measures after 1 year of treatment.
Topic Area: First Episode Psychosis