The Implementation of Early Intervention Programs in Quebec (Canada): Opportunities, Challenges and Implication of the National Center of Excellence in Mental Health (NCEMH)

Poster C85, Wednesday, October%2010, 11:30%20am%20-%201:00%20pm, Essex%20Ballroom

Cynthia Delfosse1, Michel Gilbert1; 1Centre national d'excellence en santé mentale, Quebec, Canada

The 2015-2020 mental health action plan published by the Quebec Ministry of Health (QMH) mentioned the objective of offering early intervention services (EIS) in all regions of Quebec province. In May 2017, the QMH invested $ 10 million to improve EIS services for psychosis. This investment was in three areas: the development of a reference framework, new teams in the less well-served regions and the involvement of the NCEMH to support the deployment of these teams. Created in 2008 to support the deployment of the ACT team, the NCEMH has the mandate to implement the best evidences-based mental health practices. The NCEMH expends its mandate to EIS services by offering: workforce development, awareness, clinical and administrative support. Previously, Quebec had a great disparity and a lack of standards in its EIS services in the 19 established existing programs. With the investments, we are near of 30 EIS programs. This paper describes the current challenges, that includes to continue the harmonization of practices from one region to another, the adaptation of the model to remote areas, and the creation of a system of accreditation to encourage and promote the best mental health practices, and the opportunities, including the support provided by the QMH (investments and reference framework) and the mandate given to the NCEMH have the objective to ensure a high level of service offered throughout the province.

Topic Area: Service System Development and Reform

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