Service user perspectives of an early intervention in psychosis service: a service evaluation

Watkins, Simon; Sanderson, Chris; Richards, Victoria

Abstract

This evaluation aimed to gather the perspectives of individuals accessing an early intervention in psychosis service (EIPS), in order to inform service development.

Individual interviews (n=9) and one focus group (n=7) were conducted. Discussions focused on open questions pertaining to Service Users’ (SUs) experiences of accessing the EIPS. The results were analysed using inductive thematic analysis.

Inductive thematic analysis was used and three main themes were generated; Consistency and Communication, facilitating therapeutic relationships between EIP service staff and SU’s. Pushing Boundaries, relating to the importance of services taking a graded approach to developing therapeutic relationships and (re)engaging in activities; and Normalising and Validating experiences of psychosis.

Participants emphasised the importance of relationships with EIP service staff and fellow SUs and highlighted how SUs can feel fearful and vulnerable when staff are not accessible or they view their care as inconsistent. Participants further emphasised the need for practitioners to balance an approach that de-stigmatises psychotic experiences whilst validating distress.

Consistency of support from EIP services can be as important as flexibility. Clinicians should carefully consider the balance between validating and normalising distressing experiences associated with Psychosis. Offering social activities with other SUs can facilitate therapeutic relationships and recovery but the results suggest that this should be facilitated in a graded way.

Citation

Watkins, S., Sanderson, C., & Richards, V. (2018). Service user perspectives of an early intervention in psychosis service: a service evaluation. Mental Health Review Journal, 23(3), 156-164. https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-09-2017-0037

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Apr 17, 2018
• Online Publication Date: Jul 10, 2018
• Publication Date: Sep 10, 2018
• Deposit Date: Jul 20, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Jul 23, 2018
• Print ISSN: 1361-9322
• Publisher: Emerald
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 23
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 156-164
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/MHRJ-09-2017-0037
• Keywords: Early intervention services; Peer support; Service user perspectives; First episode of psychosis; Normalising
• Public URL: https://hull-repository.worktribe.com/output/824460
• Publisher URL: https://www.emeraldinsight.com/doi/abs/10.1108/MHRJ-09-2017-0037