Early Intervention Service for psychosis mental health report, Richmond
Download (PDF 223.54 KB)Summary of report content
The Richmond and Kingston Early Intervention Service (EIS) treats people aged 18-65 for a period up to 2 years and was the first community team visited in 2018. Followed by visits to the Richmond Wellbeing Service, Recovery and Support Team and Home Treatment Team later in the year.
Nationally, Early Intervention for Psychosis services provide care for people who are experiencing their first episode of psychosis.
Accepted referrals to EIS should be seen, assessed and allocated a named Care Coordinator within 14 days from the date the referral was received.
Aims of the Project
• Gather the current views and experiences of staff, patients and their carers of the EIS.
• Conduct an observational audit to assess the level of signposting at the Maddison Centre to local support groups, community events and whether the waiting area is fit for purpose.
• To gain a snapshot of staff awareness around local commissioning changes to mental health services in Richmond.
11 telephone interviews, face to face interviews with staff and 3 carers completed an online survey
Findings related to: referral process into EIS, package of care, medication, access to a Psychiatrist, physical health needs, Crisis Care, integration of social issues, communication, family and staff support, discharge planning, GPs and Mental Health, role of Social Services, patient and staff safety.
Challenges in EIS related to: reduced window for Interventions, managing caseloads, recruitment and administrative systems.
Recommendations
• tailored recruitment strategy by the Trust to fill permanent posts in Richmond
• care plan redesign to improve accessibility for staff and patients
• Improved interface with the EIS and social services through regular scheduled meetings
• change in team approach to the concept of care plans to ensure they are regularly re-visited with patients
• Make use of the vacant space in the visitors’ noticeboards and advertise peer network groups run by Richmond Mind and course timetable for the Recovery College.
• Promote local recovery cafes as part of crisis prevention work
• Consider a bespoke psychoeducation programme for GPs and professionals working in primary care settings
Areas of Good Practice identified:
• Transparent communication and tailored support for families including practical strategies to support patients outside of appointments.
• Open access to earlier appointments.
• Promotion of additional group therapy to manage common symptom triggers.
South West London & St Georges’ NHS Trust Response & Action Plan included in report which addresses the areas identified by Healthwatch.