A Comparison of Users and Non-Users of Early Intervention Services on Trajectories of Health Services Utilization and Long-Term Outcomes

There is strong evidence to suggest that people who have long delays between the onset of psychiatric symptoms and the receipt of treatment may have worse clinical and functional outcomes. This makes the early stages of a mental disorder a critical period for detection and intervention. This has led to the development and implementation of early intervention services across the province of Ontario and around the world, reflecting optimism about the prospects for recovery if timely and comprehensive services are offered. However, prior research suggests that many people with first-episode mental disorders have difficulty accessing these services, and we do not currently have any information on patients who are missed by these programs or who receive care from other health and social service providers.

This project was aimed at comparing users and non-users of early intervention services on trajectories of service use and long-term outcomes. We linked data from two early intervention programs – for psychotic disorders (PEPP) and for mood and anxiety disorders (FEMAP) – to health administrative data from Ontario to estimate the number of patients who are not using these specialized programs, as well as what happens to people once they drop-out or are discharged from these services. The findings from this program of research enabled us to identify where gaps in service provision exist for people with first-episode mental disorders, as well as to identify particular groups who might have greater difficulties accessing care.

Project participants

Funding: Ontario Mental Health Foundation, Lawson Health Research Institute, Department of Psychiatry – Western University

Principal Investigator: Kelly Anderson

Co-Investigators: Ava John-Baptiste, Paul Kurdyak, Arlene MacDougall, Ross Norman, Elizabeth Osuch, Lena Palaniyappan

Students: Jordan Edwards