Pre-implementation evaluation of a new psychoeducational tool for patients with first episode psychosis
Poster C61, Wednesday, October%2010, 11:30%20am%20-%201:00%20pm, Essex%20Ballroom
Tin Ngo-Minh1,3,4, Line LeBlanc2; 1McGill University, 2Université du Québec en Outaouais, 3University of Ottawa, 4Centre de recherche CISSSO
Individual psychoeducation, despite being the most prevalent component of early intervention services, is rarely a subject for studies. While it has been shown to improve the prognosis of individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP), there is no widely accepted content or practice standards specifically in the field of early interventions. A new psychoeducational tool for this population and their families has been developed and evaluated based on Rogers' theory of diffusion of innovation. The research aimed to evaluate the appreciation, adoption and use of this new tool with experienced professionals working in the FEP clinics in Québec, Canada (n=25). The results indicate that professionals agree with the rational that led to its development, in particular the difficulty of adhering to pharmacological treatment in the absence of standard psychoeducation. The degree of appreciation as well as the degree of adoption are relatively high. The factors that may have contributed to this rate were examined, namely mental health professionals opinion of the relative benefits, compatibility, complexity and anticipated effects of the tool. When using the tool, professionals report that patients have made positive comments. Indeed, images, metaphors and graphics are generally appreciated, however some images are more controversial. In conclusion, the results make it possible to improve the tool on the basis of experience and to plan the conditions for success of its future implementation. Better integration of the concept of recovery and the contribution of customers for the choice of images should be considered to make the tool more accessible.
Topic Area: Psychosocial Interventions