The Somerset team for early psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the development of an early intervention (EI) service in Somerset, and evaluate the progress after the first 2 years.


METHODS
The Somerset Team for Early Psychosis (STEP) has been developed in stages from 2003 to the present 'hub-and-spoke' model. The framework, which the team operates, is outlined, the assessment and outcome measures are presented, and the interventions, with the emphasis on working with families, are discussed.


RESULTS
Two hundred fifty-nine referrals have been received in the first 2 years, with the caseload currently standing at 153. The mean duration of untreated psychosis of STEP clients was just over 9 months; when those who developed psychosis before 2004 (pre-STEP) were removed, this was reduced to 6.4 months. Eighty-four per cent of STEP clients have had their families involved with our service in some way. Relapse rates of clients in the service for over 12 months have been encouragingly low (17%).


CONCLUSIONS
We reflect on the challenges faced in relation to the EI service model described in the Department of Health's Policy Implementation Guide and, in particular, on having successfully built on the existing family interventions service.
Somerset Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Somerset, UK. frank.burbach@sompar.nhs.uk
Frank R
FR
Burbach
David J
DJ
Grinter
Sonia E A
SE
Bues
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D061345:Early Medical Intervention / Q000379:methods / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D004739:England; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010043:Outcome and Process Assessment, Health Care / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D010348:Patient Care Team / Q000458:organization & administration*; D016730:Program Development / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy*; D055502:Secondary Prevention