Early intervention for psychosis in Hong Kong--the EASY programme.
OBJECTIVE
This article aims to describe the Hong Kong experience in developing and implementing an early psychosis programme.


METHODS
In 2001, the Early Assessment Service for Young People with Psychosis programme was launched in Hong Kong, providing both educational and service components. Public education includes promotion of timely help-seeking, accessible channels to service and knowledge of psychosis. The 2-year phase-specific intervention includes intensive medical follow-up and individualized psychosocial intervention. The programme has adopted the case-management approach, in which case managers provide protocol-based psychosocial intervention. The programme collaborates with non-governmental organizations and community networks in the provision of rehabilitation service.


RESULTS
An average of over 600 young patients enter the programme for intensive treatment each year. Based on preliminary data from a 3-year outcome study, patients in the programme have remarkable reductions in hospital stay accompanied by improvements in vocational functioning.


CONCLUSIONS
The results suggested that the programme improved patients' outcome. Additional costs such as extra medical staff and medications may be offset by the shortened hospital stay. Further directions in early intervention are also discussed.
Tang
Jennifer Y M
JY
Department of Psychiatry, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
Wong
Gloria H Y
GH
Hui
Christy L M
CL
Lam
May M L
MM
Chiu
Cindy P Y
CP
Chan
Sherry K W
SK
Chung
Dicky W S
DW
Tso
Steve
S
Chan
Kathy P M
KP
Yip
K C
KC
Hung
S F
SF
Chen
Eric Y H
EY
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006266:Health Education / Q000379:methods; D006297:Health Services Accessibility; D006723:Hong Kong; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010353:Patient Education as Topic / Q000379:methods; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy*
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents