Implementation of a first presentation psychosis clinical pathway in an area mental health service: the trials of a continuing quality improvement process.
OBJECTIVE
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.


METHODS
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.
Reilly
John
J
Adult Mental Health Service, The Townsville Hospital, Douglas, Qld, Australia. john.reilly@health.qld.gov.au
Newton
Richard
R
Dowling
Rosemary
R
D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine; D006282:Health Personnel / Q000193:education; D006801:Humans; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D016730:Program Development; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014739:Victoria