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Client and key worker ratings of need in first‐episode psychosis early intervention programmes
Author(s) -
Hensel Jennifer M.,
Banayan David J.,
Cheng Chiachen,
Langley John,
Dewa Carolyn S.
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
early intervention in psychiatry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.087
H-Index - 45
eISSN - 1751-7893
pISSN - 1751-7885
DOI - 10.1111/eip.12171
Subject(s) - intervention (counseling) , distress , psychology , medicine , psychiatry , needs assessment , clinical psychology , social science , sociology
Aim The aim of this study was to fill a gap in the literature by examining agreement on need as rated by clients and their key workers from first‐episode psychosis early intervention programmes. Compared with adult populations and more chronic courses of illness, these clients may have unique needs given the onset of their illness in adolescence or early adulthood. Methods Needs agreement between clients and key workers was assessed using the C amberwell A ssessment of N eed in a sample of 188 client–key worker pairs recruited from six early intervention programmes in O ntario, C anada. Ratings were assessed with percentage agreement and prevalence‐adjusted C ohen's kappa. Results At the aggregate level, both clients and key workers rated a mean of 2.6 unmet needs. Compared with other diagnoses, key workers rated significantly more unmet need in clients with primary psychotic disorders. Agreement between individual client and key worker ratings was highest (adjusted κ > 0.85) in the domains of telephone, risk to others, child care and accommodation. Lowest agreement (adjusted κ < 0.4) was found in the domains of psychological distress, sexual expression, company, daytime activities and intimate relationships. Conclusions While congruence is present in concrete domains, there is substantial variability in how clients and their key workers perceive need in more personal areas. The initial focus of care may necessarily be on needs such as shelter, food and treatment; however, subsequent care should incorporate a shared assessment of need to support strong relationships with providers and ongoing engagement in treatment.