The association between community and service level factors and rates of disengagement in individuals with first episode psychosis

Abstract

Introduction: Individuals who experience a first episode of psychosis require early intervention and regular follow-up in order to improve their prognosis and avoid long-term negative outcomes. However, approximately 30% of individuals accessing support will end up disengaging from early intervention (EI) services. Although we know that individual factors can impact rates of disengagement, less is known about potential service and community level factors. Methods: Data were gathered from a cohort of individuals attending a specialist youth mental health service in Melbourne, Australia between 1st January 2011 and 7th September 2014. Data were collected from clinical files and electronic medi..