Carried out by TCD, this independent evaluation report is the first of its kind in Irish Mental Health Services. It sought to establish the experience of service users, families and staff as these new evidence-based Early Intervention in Psychosis teams were implemented in Ireland. It also aimed to establish the key facilitators and barriers to implementation of Early Intervention in Psychosis Teams in Ireland.

Key information:

Psychosis is a condition that affects the way the brain processes information. The person experiencing psychosis might see, hear or believe things that are not real. Those suffering with psychosis can experience a loss of touch with reality and develop symptoms such as hallucinations or delusions. Psychosis typically has its onset in an individual’s late teens or early twenties.

There are typically long delays between people starting to experience symptoms and accessing mental health care (Average of 2 years delay). The longer the delay between onset of symptoms and accessing mental health care the worse the outcome. Usually, mental health care is accessed late and in crisis. In the absence of an Early Intervention in Psychosis service, access to evidence-based psychosocial interventions e.g. talking therapies, family intervention, employment support is limited.

The Irish Early Intervention in Psychosis Clinical Programme published its Model of Care in May 2019. This Model of Care sets out a 3 year programme which addresses three key areas: 1. Reduce delays in accessing specialist care, 2. Increase access to the full range of evidence based interventions Medication, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for psychosis, Behavioural Family Therapy, Individual Placement Support (Employment and Education support), Physical Health Monitoring and Support and Peer support, 3. Ensure assertive, patient centred, recovery oriented care. Each person with psychosis is assigned to an Early Intervention Psychosis Keyworker. The EIP keyworker and the EIP team works with them and their families for three years to instil hope and support each individual in their path of recovery. Supporting people to get back to education/ work and a meaningful life.

20 years of international data now demonstrates that Early Intervention in Psychosis Services improve service users outcomes, reduce relapses, reduce requirement for hospital admission at first presentation and later, reduce suicide rates and increase retention in education and work.

Early Intervention in Psychosis is an ‘Invest to Save’ Clinical Programme. Each €1 invested in EIP results in €18 saving to the health service by reducing admissions, reducing relapses, reducing crisis presentations and increasing retention in employment and education.

In 2018/ 2019, the Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) National Clinical Programme funded the development of 3 new evidence based EIP teams in Cork, South Lee, Sligo/Leitrim/South Donegal and Meath.

[See page 42 for 'substance use']