Pathways to Care for Patients With First-Episode Psychosis in Singapore

In this study, we aim to describe the pathways to care for patients with first-episode psychosis in Singapore. We analyzed data from 900 individuals accepted by the Singapore Early Psychosis Intervention Programme between 2007 and 2012. The most common first contacts were specialist care (59%), primary care (27%), and the police (12%). Multivariate regression models showed that first contact with services varied according to demographic variables and diagnosis. The duration of untreated psychosis, total number of contacts before referral, and rate of referral to the Early Psychosis Intervention Programme varied according to demographic and clinical variables and first contact. We hope that this information will enable clinicians, managers, and other service providers to target interventions to streamline referrals, reduce distress, and improve the treatment of young people with psychotic illnesses.