The impact of delivering GP training on the clinical high risk and first-episode psychosis on referrals and pathways to care

Aim: This project explored the impact of a general practitioner (GP) training programme on referrals and pathways to care for people at high clinical risk of psychosis or with a first-episode psychosis. The resources needed to deliver the training were measured to help inform other teams considering this approach. Satisfaction with the training was also explored.

Methods: All of the GP (48) practices in the London Borough of Southwark were approached. Presentations were given on the symptoms of a clinical high-risk state and the first signs of psychosis alongside information on how to access the teams. Referrals to the prodromal and first-episode teams 6 months before and after the training were recorded. Resources needed to deliver the training in terms of staff time were recorded. A questionnaire on attendees' satisfaction with the training was given.

Results: Sixty percent of eligible practices received education. On average, it took 2 h for every two staff members each to deliver the training. Over the 12-month period, the teams received 148 referrals. The training led to a significant increase in referrals to the two specialized teams and a significant increase in direct referrals to the teams from GPs. Attendees were satisfied with the training.

Conclusions: This study indicates that GP education programmes are a viable and acceptable way of increasing the identification of young people at high clinical risk for psychosis or with a first-episode psychosis and increasing direct referrals to specialist teams.