The experience of working with dual diagnosis in an early intervention in psychosis team

Abstract

This paper presents the outcomes of a small qualitative study investigating the experience of mental health practitioners working with dual diagnosis in an early intervention in psychosis (EIP) team with a focus on the use of a specifically developed screening tool. Interviews were conducted with mental health professionals who were employed as care co‐ordinators within an EIP team. Grounded theory was adopted as a method for making sense of the data obtained. Six themes that emerged from the data are described: the importance of the cycle of change in treatment planning; service accountability and responsibility; the nature of psychotic illness; assumptions about substance use; confidence; and using the tool as part of the recovery process. These themes were discussed in relation to research surrounding psychosis, substance use and screening methods.Despite identifying the importance of a more integrated method of working with this complex service user group, gaps remain in practice. Modifications to the screening tool are recommended and a need for substance‐use‐specific interventions training for practitioners working within EIP services is identified.

Citation

Halfpenny‐Weir, E. (2009), "The experience of working with dual diagnosis in an early intervention in psychosis team", Advances in Dual Diagnosis, Vol. 2 No. 4, pp. 18-23. https://doi.org/10.5042/add.2010.0099