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Overview of Early Intervention Services (EIS) for Schizophrenia

The STEP Learning Collaborative with support of DMHAS and DCF are hosting a 6-session overview course to orient participants to STEP's Early Intervention Service Care Pathway.

Audience

Leaders, managers, and mental health practitioners who are stakeholders in the well-being of patients with recent onset psychotic disorders. All disciplines are welcome. We are specifically interested in those who wish to consider and adapt this evidence-based model of EIS for delivery in their healthcare agency.

Course Objectives

  • This 6-session (1 hour each) course will orient participants to STEP’s Early Intervention Service Care Pathway (see below).
  • Participants will leave with a foundation in the research evidence and a clear understanding of the structures, processes and outcomes that can guide implementation. This will enable them to prepare their healthcare organizations to participate in an emerging statewide system of care for individuals with recent onset psychotic disorders.
  • Note this course is not intended to be a comprehensive training for acquisition of clinical skills.
  • CME/CEU credits will be available for these sessions when attended synchronously

Course Syllabus

Session 1: Introduction to Early Intervention for Schizophrenia in Connecticut

Key concepts:

  • Introduction to STEP Learning Collaborative and orient to course and expectations
  • The target illnesses: Schizophrenia or primary non-affective psychotic disorders
  • The Critical period hypothesis and Early Intervention Services
  • Evidence for Early Intervention Services, STEP’s comprehensive care pathway
  • Addressing unmet need in Connecticut: a statewide Learning Health System

Slides

Session 2: Early Detection

Key concepts:

  • The Critical period hypothesis for Schizophrenia
  • The Duration of Untreated Psychosis (DUP)
  • Pathways to Care
  • Lessons from Mindmap
    • Early Detection across a regional Network, Demand and Supply facing interventions
    • Reducing wait times at a first-episode service, use of Quality Improvement (QI)

Slides

Session 3: Module B - Evaluation and Initiation into Treatment

​Key Concepts:

1. Differential diagnoses
2. Structured Assessment and Case Formulation
3. Engagement into care model & treatment initiation
4. Family education & support

Slides

Sessions 4 & 5: Module C - Continuing Treatment in CSC

Key Concepts:

- STEP Care: Structure, Processes and Outcomes
a. Overview of 6 core elements of care
b. Intra- and Inter-team communication/coordination (Huddle, team rounds, SBAR)
c. Core outcomes and standards for best practice EIS

- STEP Care: Culture
a. Phase-specific care: How to adapt and present care to emerging adults and their families
b. Workplace culture: How to empower clinicians towards autonomy and mastery and prevent burnout

Slides

Session 6: Module D: Care Transitions and Review of Population Health-Based EIS

Preparing your client for a transition of care; orienting to a population health based service

Key concepts:
1. Transitions in care after CSC: the challenge
2. STEP’s Population Health model of care
3. Building a statewide Learning Health System (LHS)

Slides