Experiences of re-accessing mental health services following EIP
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Experiences of re-accessing secondary mental health services following discharge from Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP)
IRAS ID
347363
Contact name
CLAIRE ROBINSON
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of East Anglia (UEA)
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 9 months, 1 days
Research summary
Psychosis is a severe mental illness, affecting approximately one in 100 people. People with psychosis experience symptoms including seeing or hearing things that other people cannot see or hear (hallucinations) or believing things that are not true (delusions). Most people with first episode of psychosis in England/Wales will be seen by an Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) service for up to three years after their first presentation. Interventions focus on managing symptoms, through medication, physical health checks, therapy, social engagement or employment.
Following EIP approximately 83.5% of patients are discharged back to their GP and no longer have access to specialist mental health support. However, many of these people will relapse after recovery of their psychosis requiring specialist support. Delays in accessing the appropriate support lead to a decline in an individual’s mental health and an increase in symptoms which is costly to both the individual and services. Early detection and intervention are crucial for successful outcomes.
Research has not yet investigated patient experiences following discharge including their experience of re-accessing care following relapse. We aim to recruit up to 15 participants with a diagnosis of psychosis who have attempted to access mental health care following discharge from EIP services. We will recruit from NHS clinical teams within NSFT and CPFT and online via social media. Participants will take part in an interview, lasting up to 90 minutes, to explore their experiences of re-accessing mental health services following discharge from EIP. The interview will investigate the barriers and facilitators to accessing care following a relapse in psychosis. The study aims to understand individuals’ journeys following discharge, identify overlapping themes and compare similarities and differences to summarise in a written report.
The findings aim to improve patient experience of getting help from mental health teams following discharge from EIP.
REC name
North West - Greater Manchester Central Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/NW/0042
Date of REC Opinion
17 Feb 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion