title: Client and key worker ratings of need in first-episode psychosis early intervention programmes.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to fill a gap in the literature by examining agreement on need as rated by clients and their key workers from first-episode psychosis early intervention programmes. Compared with adult populations and more chronic courses of illness, these clients may have unique needs given the onset of their illness in adolescence or early adulthood.
  
  
  METHODS
  Needs agreement between clients and key workers was assessed using the Camberwell Assessment of Need in a sample of 188 client-key worker pairs recruited from six early intervention programmes in Ontario, Canada. Ratings were assessed with percentage agreement and prevalence-adjusted Cohen's kappa.
  
  
  RESULTS
  At the aggregate level, both clients and key workers rated a mean of 2.6 unmet needs. Compared with other diagnoses, key workers rated significantly more unmet need in clients with primary psychotic disorders. Agreement between individual client and key worker ratings was highest (adjusted κ > 0.85) in the domains of telephone, risk to others, child care and accommodation. Lowest agreement (adjusted κ < 0.4) was found in the domains of psychological distress, sexual expression, company, daytime activities and intimate relationships.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  While congruence is present in concrete domains, there is substantial variability in how clients and their key workers perceive need in more personal areas. The initial focus of care may necessarily be on needs such as shelter, food and treatment; however, subsequent care should incorporate a shared assessment of need to support strong relationships with providers and ongoing engagement in treatment.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Women's College Hospital, Toronto, Canada.|Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Jennifer M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hensel
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neuroscience, University of Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, USA.
authors.forename: David J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Banayan
authors.affiliation: Canadian Mental Health Association, Thunder Bay, Canada.
authors.forename: Chiachen
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Cheng
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.|Department of Psychiatry, St.Michael's Hospital, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: John
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Langley
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.|Centre for Research on Employment and Workplace Health, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, Toronto, Canada.
authors.forename: Carolyn S
authors.initials: CS
authors.lastname: Dewa
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D061345:Early Medical Intervention; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D020380:Needs Assessment; D010361:Patients / Q000523:psychology*; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D055815:Young Adult
keywords: adolescent; early intervention; first-episode psychosis; mental illness; need