scholarly journals S242. BEFORE AND AFTER: PATHWAYS TO CARE AND AFTER DISCHARGE AT A NEWLY ESTABLISHED EARLY PSYCHOSIS INPATIENT UNIT

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S131-S131
Author(s):  
Melanie Trimmel ◽  
Marlene Koch ◽  
Josef Baumgartner ◽  
Barbara Hinterbuchinger ◽  
Zsuzsa Litvan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background The duration from onset of psychotic symptoms to appropriate treatment also includes pathways to adequate care centers. Treatment delays within health care services might influence overall outcome of patients experiencing a first episode psychosis (FEP) negatively. In addition, subsequent postdischarge care is an essential part of maintaining treatment and therefore crucial for relapse prevention. This study aimed to examine pathways to specialized early intervention inpatient care and recommendations relating postdischarge care among patients with FEP at a newly established early psychosis inpatient unit within a general psychiatric service in a general hospital. Methods Data of all patients admitted to the early psychosis inpatient unit of the Clinical Division of Social Psychiatry of the Medical University of Vienna from 01.01.2016 to 31.03. 2017 were analysed. The unit was established in 2014. Diagnoses of FEP include first episode of schizophreniform, acute polymorphic, affective, organic or substance-related psychosis according to ICD-10. Results In the given period a total of 127 patients were admitted, whereof 91 (= 71,7%) were diagnosed with a psychotic disorder at time of discharge. Among them 36 (= 39,6%) patients had a first episode psychosis, including 21 (58,3%) with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, 10 (27,8%) with affective psychosis, 4 (11,1%) with substance-related psychosis and 1 (2,8%) with organic psychosis as main diagnosis at time of discharge. The mean age of FEP patients was 26.7 years (SD 10,4), with no significant differences concerning sex distribution (52,8% male, 47,2% female). For the majority of FEP patients, namely 23 (63,9%) referral was done through the acute psychiatric outpatient clinic. 4 (11,1%) patients were assigned by the specialized early psychosis outpatient clinic of the same department and 3 (8,3%) by mental health professionals in private practice. The other 5 (13,9%) FEP patients were transferred from either non-psychiatric or psychiatric inpatient units. The largest proportion of FEP patients (91,7%, n = 36) were discharged to secondary care, of those 16 (44,4%) to psychosocial outpatient services. 3 (8,3%) patients were assigned to day-care hospital. Discussion Our results show that shortly after the establishment of an early psychosis inpatient unit within a general psychiatric service most referrals involved the acute psychiatric outpatient clinic. Hence, information on the availability and specialization was communicated adequately within the rest of the psychiatric staff. The comparatively low proportion of referrals from the early psychosis outpatient clinic might be related to the fact that it focusses on clinical high risk states, who might not be in need of inpatient treatment as much as FEP patients. To ensure pathways to specialized early psychosis care without delay raising awareness of early recognition within the psychiatric staff is required. Reported results concerning discharge recommendations imply that in most cases sufficient psychopathological stability for subsequent outpatient care was achieved. Furthermore, the high rate of referrals to secondary care might reflect the mental health service structure with specialized low threshold services in Vienna, Austria.

2020 ◽  
Vol 46 (Supplement_1) ◽  
pp. S73-S73
Author(s):  
Marlene Koch ◽  
Melanie Trimmel ◽  
Josef Baumgartner ◽  
Barbara Hinterbuchinger ◽  
Zsuzsa Litvan ◽  
...  

Abstract Background First episode psychoses (FEP) may present with diffuse symptoms and a broad range of clinical phenotypes, leading to difficulties in the early detection of the different pluripotent trajectories and consequently to instability of the diagnoses. The aim of this study was to assess the stability of diagnoses at time of admission compared to discharge in patients with FEP at a newly established early psychosis inpatient unit within a general psychiatric service in a general hospital. Methods Charts of all patients admitted to the early psychosis inpatient unit of the Clinical Division of Social Psychiatry of the Medical University of Vienna between 01.01.2016 and 31.03.2017 were reviewed. FEP was defined as a first presentation of affective, schizophreniform, acute polymorphic, organic or substance-related psychosis according to ICD-10. Results 127 patients were admitted during the said period, among whom 92 (72,4%) were diagnosed with a psychotic disorder at time of admission. 39,1% (n=36) of those had a FEP, whereof 58,3% (n=21) were diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum psychosis, 27,8% (n=10) with affective psychosis, 11,1% (n=4) with substance-related psychosis and 2,8% (n=1) with organic psychosis as main diagnosis at time of discharge. In 50% (n=18) of FEP patients, diagnosis at time of admission was not maintained. 54,2% (n=13) of FEP patients who were admitted with a schizophrenia spectrum diagnosis had a shift in diagnosis at time of discharge, whereof 46,2% (n=6) were adjusted to another diagnosis of the same spectrum and 53,8% (n=7) to a diagnosis of either affective spectrum, substance-related psychosis or organic psychosis. 100% (n=2) of those with a persistent delusional disorder had a different diagnosis at discharge, as well as 56,3% (n=9=) of those admitted with a diagnosis of acute and transient psychotic disorders. Changes in the admission diagnoses of affective psychosis were necessary in 44,4% (n=4), whereof one half was adjusted to another diagnosis of the same spectrum and the other half to a diagnosis of the schizophrenia spectrum. Discussion The diagnostic instability in this study underlines the concept of the highly dynamic and changeable nature of psychopathology in the early stages and the pluripotent trajectories of psychosis. Furthermore, inadequate information available for specific diagnosis at time of admission as well as diagnostic uncertainty at the onset of psychosis could be implicated in the described diagnostic instability. The broad range of clinical phenotypes of early psychosis and the limitations of current diagnostic risk and identification approaches for the assessment of first episode psychosis indicate psychopathology conformed to a more dimensional rather than categorical model, as well as the need of a more dynamic model of prediction, such as the clinical staging model.


2016 ◽  
Vol 13 (03) ◽  
pp. 152-157
Author(s):  
A. O. Berg ◽  
K. Leopold ◽  
S. Zarafonitis-Müller ◽  
M. Nerhus ◽  
L. H. Stouten ◽  
...  

Summary Background: Immigrants have increased risk of a poor recovery from first episode psychosis (FEP). Early treatment can improve prognosis, but having an immigrant background may influence pathways to care. Method: We present research of service use and factors influencing treatment outcome in immigrants with FEP. Service use was assessed in in-patients at an early intervention center in Berlin, Germany. Duration of untreated psychosis and beliefs about illness was assessed in a FEP study in Oslo, Norway and cognitive functioning in patients with FEP schizophrenia from the regular mental health services in The Hague, the Netherlands. The proportion of immigrants in Berlin and Oslo was at level with the local populations, while the proportion in The Hague appeared to be higher. Result: There were clear indications that mental health literacy, probably based in different cultural expectations, were lower in first generation immigrants (FGI). Findings regarding clinical insight were ambiguous. There were also indications that FGI had more cognitive problems, based in higher stress levels or in cognitive styles. Early psychosis services must take issues of immigration and ethnicity into consideration.


CNS Spectrums ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 26 (2) ◽  
pp. 177-178
Author(s):  
Eric D. Achtyes ◽  
Kari Kempema ◽  
Zhehui Luo ◽  
Katharine N. Thakkar ◽  
Catherine Adams ◽  
...  

AbstractStudy ObjectivesCoordinated specialty care (CSC) is widely accepted as an evidence-based treatment for first episode psychosis (FEP). The NAVIGATE intervention from the Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode Early Treatment Program (RAISE-ETP) study is a CSC intervention which offers a suite of evidence-based treatments shown to improve engagement and clinical outcomes, especially in those with shorter duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). Coincident with the publication of this study, legislation was passed by the United States Congress in 2014–15 to fund CSC for FEP via a Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) block grant set-aside for each state. In Michigan (MI) the management of this grant was delegated to Network180, the community mental health authority in Kent County, with the goal of making CSC more widely available to the 10 million people in MI. Limited research describes the outcomes of implementation of CSC into community practices with no published accounts evaluating the use of the NAVIGATE intervention in a naturalistic setting. We describe the outcomes of NAVIGATE implementation in the state of MI.MethodsIn 2014, 3 centers in MI were selected and trained to provide NAVIGATE CSC for FEP. In 2016 a 4th center was added, and 2 existing centers were expanded to provide additional access to NAVIGATE. Inclusion: age 18–31, served in 1 of 4 FEP centers in MI. Data collection began in 2015 for basic demographics, global illness (CGI q3 mo), hospital/ED use and work/school (SURF q3 mo) and was expanded in 2016 to include further demographics, diagnosis, DUP, vital signs; and in 2018 for clinical symptoms with the modified Colorado Symptom Inventory (mCSI q6 mo), reported via an online portal. This analysis used data until 12/31/19. Mixed effects models adjusted by age, sex and race were used to account for correlated data within patients.ResultsN=283 had useable demographic information and were included in the analysis. Age at enrollment was 21.6 ± 3.0 yrs; 74.2% male; 53.4% Caucasian, 34.6% African American; 12.9 ± 1.7 yrs of education (N=195). 18 mo retention was 67% with no difference by sex or race. CGI scores decreased 20% from baseline (BL) to 18 mo (BL=3.5, N=134; 15–18 mo=2.8, N=60). Service utilization via the SURF was measured at BL (N=172) and 18 mo (N=72): psychiatric hospitalizations occurred in 37% at BL and 6% at 18 mo (p<0.01); ER visits occurred in 40% at BL and 13% at 18 mo (p<0.01). 44% were working or in school at BL and 68% at 18 mo (p<0.01). 21% were on antipsychotics (AP) at BL (N=178) and 85% at 18 mo (N=13) with 8% and 54% on long acting injectable-AP at BL and 18 mo, respectively. Limitations include missing data and lack of a control group.ConclusionThe implementation of the NAVIGATE CSC program for FEP in MI resulted in meaningful clinical improvement for enrollees. Further support could make this evidence-based intervention available to more people with FEP.FundingSupported by funds from the SAMHSA Medicaid State Block Grant set-aside awarded to Network180 (Achtyes, Kempema). The funders had no role in the design of the study, the analysis or the decision to publish the results.


2017 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 249-258 ◽  
Author(s):  
A.-M. Clarke ◽  
P. McLaughlin ◽  
J. Staunton ◽  
K. Kerins ◽  
B. Power ◽  
...  

ObjectiveIn Ireland, National Clinical Programmes are being established to improve and standardise patient care throughout the Health Service Executive. In line with internationally recognised guidelines on the treatment of first episode psychosis the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) programme is being drafted with a view to implementation by mental health services across the country. We undertook a review of patients presenting with a first episode of psychosis to the Dublin Southwest Mental Health Service before the implementation of the EIP. This baseline information will be used to measure the efficacy of our EIP programme.MethodsPatients who presented with a first episode psychosis were retrospectively identified through case note reviews and consultation with treating teams. We gathered demographic and clinical information from patients as well as data on treatment provision over a 2-year period from the time of first presentation. Data included age at first presentation, duration of untreated psychosis, diagnosis, referral source, antipsychotic prescribing rates and dosing, rates of provision of psychological interventions and standards of physical healthcare monitoring. Outcome measures with regards to rates of admission over a 2-year period following initial presentation were also recorded.ResultsIn total, 66 cases were identified. The majority were male, single, unemployed and living with their family or spouse. The mean age at first presentation was 31 years with a mean duration of untreated psychosis of 17 months. Just under one-third were diagnosed with schizophrenia. Approximately half of the patients had no contact with a health service before presentation. The majority of patients presented through the emergency department. Two-thirds of all patients had a hospital admission within 2 years of presentation and almost one quarter of patients had an involuntary admission. The majority of patients were prescribed antipsychotic doses within recommended British National Formulary guidelines. Most patients received individual support through their keyworker and family intervention was provided in the majority of cases. Only a small number received formal Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy. Physical healthcare monitoring was insufficiently recorded in the majority of patients.ConclusionsThere is a shortage of information on the profile and treatment of patients presenting with a first episode of psychosis in Ireland. This baseline information is important in evaluating the efficacy of any new programme for this patient group. Many aspects of good practice were identified within the service in particular with regards to the appropriate prescribing of antipsychotic medication and the rates of family intervention. Deficiencies remain however in the monitoring of physical health and the provision of formal psychological interventions to patients. With the implementation of an EIP programme it is hoped that service provision would improve nationwide and to internationally recognised standards.


2003 ◽  
Vol 37 (4) ◽  
pp. 414-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
P.J.R. Power ◽  
R.J. Bell ◽  
R. Mills ◽  
T. Herrman-Doig ◽  
M. Davern ◽  
...  

Background: Young people with early psychosis are at particularly high risk of suicide. However, there is evidence that early intervention can reduce this risk. Despite these advances, first episode psychosis patients attending these new services still remain at risk. To address this concern, a program called LifeSPAN was established within the Early Psychosis Prevention and Intervention Centre (EPPIC). The program developed and evaluated a number of suicide prevention strategies within EPPIC and included a cognitively oriented therapy (LifeSPAN therapy) for acutely suicidal patients with psychosis. We describe the development of these interventions in this paper. Method: Clinical audit and surveys provided an indication of the prevalence of suicidality among first episode psychosis patients attending EPPIC. Second, staff focus groups and surveys identified gaps in service provision for suicidal young people attending the service. Third, a suicide risk monitoring system was introduced to identify those at highest risk. Finally, patients so identified were referred to and offered LifeSPAN therapy whose effectiveness was evaluated in a randomised controlled trial. Results: Fifty-six suicidal patients with first episode psychosis were randomly assigned to standard clinical care or standard care plus LifeSPAN therapy. Forty-two patients completed the intervention. Clinical ratings and measures of suicidality and risk were assessed before, immediately after the intervention, and 6 months later. Benefits were noted in the treatment group on indirect measures of suicidality, e.g., hopelessness. The treatment group showed a greater average improvement (though not significant) on a measure of suicide ideation. Conclusions: Early intervention in psychosis for young people reduces the risk of suicide. Augmenting early intervention with a suicide preventative therapy may further reduce this risk.


2021 ◽  
Vol 12 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nigel Ian Ming Chong ◽  
Yogeswary Maniam ◽  
Yi Chian Chua ◽  
Charmaine Tang

Objective: Early intervention in patients with first episode psychosis (FEP) can improve cognitive abilities, with both short- and long-term benefits. In this paper, we describe the implementation and review of cognitive remediation training (CRT) in an Asian FEP population. The outcomes of the training are also evaluated and discussed.Methods: This naturalistic paper describes in detail the real-life implementation and conduct of CRT in an early psychosis intervention service. One hundred and nine patients with FEP underwent a 24-session CRT programme, using Cogpack and Neuropsychological Educational Approach to Remediation. The program is evaluated with pre- and post-CRT assessment scores which included Montreal Cognitive Assessment and Brief Assessment of Cognition in Schizophrenia. The rates of improvement on these cognitive assessments were evaluated using paired t-tests, with statistical significance set at p ≤ 0.05.Results: Of the 109 patients who underwent CRT, a total of 92 (84.4%) completed all 24 sessions. Paired t-tests between pre- and post-CRT assessments scores revealed that participants significantly improved on majority of the measures, including verbal memory, digit sequencing, and symbol coding.Conclusion: As with other cognitive remediation programmes, CRT has shown to improve cognitive functioning in patients with FEP. The results support the use of CRT in an Asian context and may serve as guidance for the implementation of similar training programmes in other Asian early psychosis intervention services.


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