Implementation of Early Psychosis Intervention Program ... - EENet

32Standard 1: Facilitating Access and Early IdentificationThe survey examined the following elements in Standard 1:4. Developing an early identification/rapid response system5. Public education6. Access to translation and interpretation services1. Developing an early identification/rapid response systemStandard 1 indicates a role for EPI programs in identifying and supporting area providers andorganizations to assist with early identification and referral of individuals experiencing signs orsymptoms of psychosis. The premise is that primary care providers, school or university healthservices, youth agencies, mental health services and other organizations who regularly connectwith youth and young adults have the potential to recognize signs and symptoms of psychosis,make timely referrals to EPI programs for assessment, and assist in engaging the individual. EPIprograms use a variety of strategies to build and strengthen an Early Identification/RapidResponse network in their communities.Summary of Results:o Overall, programs indicated lower levels of implementation of this element than for otherStandard elements, with only 40% of sites able to implement this element ‘most of the time.’o Developing and sustaining an early identification and referral network was challenging forEPI services regardless of whether the program was larger or smaller, or hospital orcommunity agency based. Challenges pertained to having time, getting access to audiences,maintaining persistent outreach.o Implementation may benefit from local or regional support (e.g., for outreach to areaproviders, development of educational resources), and from having a plan in place forimplementing and monitoring this work.o Programs reported some conflict with implementing this element. Outreach requires havingthe capacity to accept new referrals, and can be problematic if the program is operating atcapacity already. In addition, programs are expected to respond quickly to referrals and arenot supposed to keep a waitlist.