Introduction: First episode psychosis is a critical event and if not treated appropriately, is associated with adverse health outcomes. Although enhanced collaboration between primary and secondary care, as a core function within early intervention services, may improve (especially physical) health outcomes, little evidence for this currently exists. Ireland’s Health Services Executive (HSE) has identified this as a key goal of early intervention models of care, and the College of Psychiatry in Ireland has identified ‘key workers’ as an important enabler. Aims: To inform health policy y conducting a mixed methods study examining how key workers might enhance collaboration between primary and secondary care to improve physical health outcomes for patients with first episode psychosis, specifically:
Methods: In Phase 1, a qualitative study of stakeholder groups (patients, GPs, mental health services professionals, primary care team members) will be conducted in two parts: a) Purposeful sample will be asked how key workers might enhance collaboration between primary and secondary care to improve outcomes for patients with first episode psychosis; b) Informed by their findings, an expert stakeholder group will determine the key elements of the key worker led, ‘complex intervention’. In Phase 2, a pre/post intervention feasibility study will be conducted, wherein an intervention informed by Phase 1 will be tested in general practices in two regions – one urban and one rural. The intervention will be developed and delivered at participating mental health services and general practices. Data on feasibility, acceptability (e.g. GP / patient recruitment / engagement, qualitative experience, and likely effectiveness (e.g. mental / physical / behavioural health outcomes) will be collected at baseline and follow up. Outcomes: To maximally inform policy, relevant HSE Directorates and Service User Engagement Office will receive project findings and contribute to scientific direction through membership of the Project Steering Group.
