Rethinking schizophrenia: Optimizing care pathways in Europe from the first episode of psychosis to long-term care
Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The European Brain Council project "Rethinking Schizophrenia" aims to examine the existing state of patient care pathways across Europe. The study objectives of Phase 2 were to evaluate the current models of schizophrenia care on mental health outcomes, access and satisfaction with care, and to identify the foundations of integrated care pathways for young people with first-episode psychosis. METHODS: Using the care pathway, a questionnaire was developed and anonymously disseminated to mental health professionals in nine European countries (Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Poland, Spain, and the United Kingdom). The survey included 45 questions and addressed the quality and continuity of care from the first onset of psychosis to long-term care, including assessment of the mental health care systems. RESULTS: A total of 203 responses were obtained. The majority of mental health professionals were psychiatrists (75%), followed by psychologists (11%), nurses (7%), social workers (2%), and GPs and others (5%). The responses were analyzed qualitatively. The results revealed dissatisfaction with the current state of schizophrenia care systems and significant variability in quality of care. The factors that affect the care pathways most are assessment and early intervention services, continuity of care, availability of various types of services and treatments, collaborative decision-making, and utilization of new technologies. CONCLUSIONS: A comprehensive, integrated approach is essential to improve schizophrenia care across Europe. This strategy emphasizes early intervention, equitable access to treatments, coordinated care models, psychosocial support, and long-term recovery through a biopsychosocial framework and emerging technologies.
Source: European Psychiatry
Authors: Pavel Mohr, Geert Dom, Peter Falkai, Celso Arango, István Bitter, Julian Beezhold, Patrice Boyer, Ana Catalan, Boris Chaumette, Sonia Dollfus, Cédric Duarte, Paolo Fusar-Poli, Wolfgang Gaebel, Silvana Galderisi, Oliver Howes, Peter Keri, Andreas Meyer-Lindenberg, Merete Nordentoft, Janusz Rybakowski, Jerzy Samochowiec, Agata Szulc, Piotr Toczyski, Joao Vasco Santos, Antonio Vita, Vinciane Quoidbach
Institutions: Charles University, National Institute of Mental Health, University of Antwerp, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Hospital Universitario La Paz, Semmelweis University, Norfolk and Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust, Brain Research Foundation, University of the Basque Country, Inserm, Institut de Psychiatrie et Neurosciences de Paris, Université de Caen Normandie, King's College London, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, University of Campania "Luigi Vanvitelli", Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Università degli Studi della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Central Institute of Mental Health, University of Copenhagen, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Pomeranian Medical University, Medical University of Warsaw, The Maria Grzegorzewska University, Universidade do Porto, University of Brescia, University of Warwick
Language: English
Subfield: Psychiatry and Mental health
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,300
OpenAlex ID: W7129063192
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