Adolescents with first-episode psychosis and clinical high risk in the Province of Ferrara: an audit on the implementation of a specialised early intervention program
Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The first-episode psychosis (FEP) and clinical high-risk (CHR) team within the child and adolescent mental health (CAMH) service receives referrals by psychiatric units, CAMH service, schools, and general practitioners. This audit evaluated the implementation of the FEP-CHR team in Ferrara, Italy. METHODS: The FEP-CHR team provides standardised assessment and up to 2-year individualised treatment including pharmacological prescription, cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy, and vocational activities. Data regarding access and pathways to care, assessment, and outcome of all patients admitted to this service from January 2019 to June 2023 were analysed. Descriptive statistics were reported and discussed. RESULTS: general practitioners, while half of CHR patients were already receiving CAMH care. One in three in the total sample had psychiatric hospitalisation during treatment. At discharge, most transitioned to usual or specialised mental health care and five patients achieved full recovery. CONCLUSIONS: The audit revealed a lower-than-expected incidence rate, a sub-optimal adherence to the standardised assessment, and a need for improved outcome monitoring. It promoted quality improvement initiatives including professional training to improve psychiatric differential diagnosis, drug prescribing, and transition to adult psychiatric services.
Authors: Vittoria Magnabosco, Maria Ferrara, Ilaria Domenicano, Marco Cruciata, Antonia Ioanna Sarela, Franca Emanuelli, Luigi Grassi
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: hybrid
OpenAlex ID: W4406406859