Coordinated Specialty Care for First Episode of Psychosis-Strengths Program
The MHealth First Episode of Psychosis-Strengths Program demonstrates a Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) model reflective of Interprofessional Collaboration and Education (IPC/E). Services are recovery-oriented and highlight shared decision-making to effectively engage young people and their support network. This Skills-Based Workshop will focus on the team-based evaluation and feedback process. Workshop leaders will highlight ways learners contribute to the delivery of care and how their education is enhanced by this collaborative design. Beginning with the evaluation, the team views the patient as the central member of our efforts.
Workshop learner outcomes:
At the end of the workshop, learners will:
- Learn tips to integrate patient and support system onto the team
- Describe ways to increase learners’ contribution to team-based care
- Discuss strategies to incorporate technology into efficient precision care
The Psychosis-Strengths Program serves patients who voluntarily seek care delivered by a team of an advanced practice nurse practitioner, a pharmacist, a physician, a psychologist, and a registered nurse care coordinator as well as learners from medicine, pharmacy, psychology and social work. Care begins with a phone screen and comprehensive evaluation that can be completed by learners or the providers. Evaluation component include: Psychologists administer cognitive testing and interpret results. A nurse practitioner or social worker conducts the diagnostic assessment. A pharmacist evaluates safety and convenience of medication for patients, along with answering drug questions for the team. A medical provider completes the psychiatric consultation.
The team gathers for a huddle, and then meets with the patient and his/her support system to communicate evaluation findings and offer recommendations to consider. The team huddle is the nexus that enables effective teamwork among these professionals and the patient. This interprofessional team draws on the skills of each member to tailor personalized treatment plans for each patient.
The care approach incorporates technology through the use of tablet-based cognitive testing. This creates standardized procedures, allowing different clinicians to manage assessment and feedback. Scoring is automated, insuring inter-rater reliability and efficiency. This method increases access to more patients since administration is less resource-intensive, and enables learners from diverse disciplines to learn how to conduct cognitive testing. This approach has received positive feedback. Patients remark that they feel more involved in creating their own treatment plans alongside a team that has paid attention to them.
The patient voice is integral in determination of the treatment plan – all components are optional. The goal of the program include:
- Psychopharmacology: prescribing lowest effective doses of medications with fewest side effects
- Case coordination: helping patients and families meet basic needs and acquire community resources
- Psychotherapy: focused on resiliency in a supportive environment-
- Family support and psychoeducation: promote family involvement and increase their ability to support their loved one.
Workshop format includes an introduction to and overview of components of the Psychosis-Strategy Program and role plays:
- Team huddle prior to evaluation– Presenters will highlight opportunities for interprofessional learners to contribute to this clinical activity
- Team-based feedback– Presenters will demonstrate skills to integrate patient voice into clinical care and education
Social media: Twitter: @UMN_PsychiatryFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/UMNpsychiatry/