First-time primary caregivers' experience accessing first-episode psychosis services

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Mental Health Services Research
• Qualitative Research

Background:

• Early intervention in first-episode psychosis (FEP) is crucial for reducing the duration of untreated illness.
• Primary caregivers often face significant difficulties accessing specialized FEP services for young adults.
• Understanding caregiver experiences is vital for improving service accessibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the lived experiences of first-time primary caregivers of young adults with FEP.
• To examine the process and challenges caregivers encounter when accessing specialist FEP services.

Main Methods:

• Qualitative study design.
• Semi-structured, in-depth interviews conducted with 20 primary caregivers in Melbourne.
• Thematic analysis of caregiver experiences.

Main Results:

• Caregivers reported polarized experiences accessing FEP services, with general practitioners sometimes being unresourceful.
• Service- and caregiver-focused barriers were commonly encountered during initial access.
• Subsequent access was facilitated by acquired knowledge, service experience, and caregiver assertiveness.

Conclusions:

• First-time primary caregivers play a critical role but face substantial access difficulties.
• Service access should prioritize clinical need over caregiver perseverance.
• Clinical training and interventions must address the unique challenges and contributions of caregivers in FEP services.