Implementation of a First Presentation Psychosis Clinical Pathway in an Area Mental Health Service: The Trials of a Continuing Quality Improvement Process

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to describe the process of improving early psychosis services in a generic Victorian adult area mental health service from 1998 to 2004 and to give consideration to whether to implement a first presentation psychosis clinical pathway and how that should be done.

Method: A description will be given of the quality improvement process and practical difficulties in the sequential implementation of guidelines then pathways for early psychosis.

Results: We experienced many of the commonly reported difficulties in quality improvement and implementation of evidence-based practice in real clinical settings.

Conclusions: Developing and implementing an evidence-based first presentation psychosis clinical pathway was a difficult but rewarding learning experience.