Early intervention service for psychosis: views from primary care

Although General Practitioners (GPs) have a pivotal role in early detection and treatment of psychosis, there is sparse information on their views of early intervention (EI) services and how information related to EI should be delivered.

Since inception, DETECT (Dublin East Treatment and Early Care Team), Ireland's pilot EI project, mailed information packs and provided information through the local GP continuing medical education (CME) network. After 1 year, we surveyed GPs within DETECT's catchment area for their views on the service being provided.

One hundred and twenty-six (36%) responded and 80% found the EI service very/extremely useful. GPs reported that the combination of CME session and information packs were more useful than information packs alone. Those who attended CME meetings were significantly more likely to refer suspected cases (P < 0.01) and more likely to find the service useful (P < 0.001).

The EI service for psychosis is well-received among GPs. Information about EI delivered through CME appears to have a greater impact on referral rates and satisfaction levels than mailed information.