KEY FINDINGS IN EARLY PSYCHOSIS: A Knowledge Sharing Initiative
Poster A99, Thursday, October 20, 11:30 am - 1:00 pm, Le Baron
Tibbo Phillip1, Abidi Sabina1, Methot Donna2, Burke Laura3, Whitehorn David1; 1Dalhousie University Department of Psychiatry, 2Schizophrenia Society of Nova Scotia, 3Nova Scotia Health Authority
Early detection and optimal stage-specific treatment have been demonstrated to result in better outcomes in Schizophrenia. To fully implement this evidence-based approach at a population health level requires the education and involvement of multiple stakeholders including policy makers, families, community agencies, clinicians and people with lived experience of psychosis. The Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Network has undertaken a multi-stakeholder knowledge sharing initiative to provide up-to-date research conclusion in a way that is accessible and relevant. The initiative is organized around four “key findings”: (1) schizophrenia develops in stages, including an “at risk” stage; (2) early optimal stage specific treatment results in better outcomes: (3) family engagement is essential to optimal care; (4) schizophrenia is not a progressive degenerative brain disorder. With funding from the Nova Scotia Health Research Foundation, seven one day multi-stakeholder meetings were conducted throughout the province over a two year period. A consistent team of presenters including clinicians, a family member and a person with lived experience provided a brief overview of each key point, followed by small group discussions in which participants addressed the relevance of the findings to their own experience and role. Attendance ranged from 35 to 70 and participants engaged enthusiastically in the sessions. Video recordings of the presentations are available on the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program website. A participant email list was established as well. The initiative offers an example of how key research findings can be communicated to multiple stakeholders in a way that is relevant and accessible.
Topic Area: First Episode Psychosis