Ethnic variations in compulsory detention and hospital admission for psychosis across four UK Early Intervention Services

Involuntary admissions for non-affective psychotic disorders in young refugees and peers in Denmark: A population cohort study

INTRODUCTION

People with psychotic disorders are at increased risk of experiencing involuntary hospital admissions relative to other psychiatric patients. Within this group, refugees and other minority groups may be at even greater risk. However, little is known about the role of migration background in the risk of involuntary admissions around the time of first psychosis-related treatment.

METHOD

We utilized nationwide administrative data from Denmark covering the period 2006-2018. We included all persons aged 18-35 years in first treatment for psychotic disorders [inpatient and hospital-based outpatient settings (N = 11,871)]. We estimated odds ratios (OR) of any involuntary inpatient admission within three months of first treatment using logistic regression, and rate ratios (RR) of further involuntary admissions, total number of involuntary admissions, and days of involuntary care among patients initially admitted involuntarily using Poisson regression. We compared refugees with majority peers (native-born with native-born parent), other migrants, and descendants of non-refugee migrants.

RESULTS

Compared with the majority group, refugees, non-refugee migrants and descendants were at increased risk of involuntarily admissions (ORrange = 2.12-2.69). Differences in sex, age, education, household income and family situation did not explain these disparities. In contrast, the risk of subsequent involuntary care did not differ between groups (RRrange = 0.77-1.31).

CONCLUSIONS

The findings highlight the need to review if and why processes of needs detection and voluntary treatment enrolment are less effective for minorities in Denmark. Further studies should investigate the pathways to care across population groups to inform interventions that address disparities.

Predictors of positive outcomes from 'Early Intervention in Psychosis': protocol for a national retrospective cohort study

Background

Psychotic disorders are severe and prevalent mental health conditions associated with long-term disability, reduced quality of life, and substantial economic costs. Early Intervention in Psychosis (EIP) services aim to provide timely and comprehensive treatment for psychotic disorders, and EIP service input is associated with improved outcomes. However, there is limited understanding of the specific components of EIP care that contribute to these improvements. There is significant nationwide variability in the commissioning and delivery of EIP, with individuals receiving different packages of components from different services. In this study, we seek to explore associations between EIP components and clinically significant outcomes, in order to understand the mechanisms underlying improved psychosis care.

Methods

This national retrospective cohort study will utilize data from the 2019 National Clinical Audit of Psychosis (NCAP), examining the care received by 10,560 individuals treated by EIP services in England. Exposure data from the NCAP, capturing the components of care delivered by EIP services, will be linked with outcome data from routine NHS Digital datasets over a three-year follow-up period. This will be the first study to use this method to examine this population in England. The primary outcomes will be surrogate measures of relapse of psychosis (hospital admission and referral to community-based crisis intervention services). Secondary outcomes include duration of admissions, emergency hospital attendances, episodes of detention under the Mental Health Act, and all-cause mortality. We will use multilevel regression to examine associations between exposures and outcome events. We will handle missing data using appropriate imputation techniques.

Discussion

This study aims to provide valuable insights into the long-term effects of variations in EIP service delivery. The study involves a large, diverse cohort including individuals treated by every EIP service in England. While there are limitations inherent in the observational nature of the study, any associations identified will be of great relevance to clinicians, researchers, and policymakers seeking to optimize EIP care. The results will enable more targeted treatment planning, resource allocation, and potential innovations in EIP care, ultimately leading to improved prognoses for people experiencing psychosis.

The Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework: a model to reduce mental health inequity in England and Wales

The Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) is an Organisational Competence Framework (OCF), recommended by the Independent Review of the Mental Health Act as a means to improve mental health access, experience and outcomes for people from ethnic minority backgrounds, particularly Black people. This is a practical framework that should be co-produced with and tailored to the needs of service users, based on quality improvement and place-based approaches. We aim to use the PCREF to address the longstanding epistemic justices experienced by people with mental health problems, particularly those from minoritised ethnic groups. We will outline the work that led to the proposal, the research on racial inequalities in mental health in the UK, and how the PCREF will build on previous interventions to address these. By taking these into account, the PCREF should support a high minimum standard of mental health care for all.

Ethnic inequalities in involuntary admission under the Mental Health Act: an exploration of mediation effects of clinical care prior to the first admission

BACKGROUND

Studies show ethnic inequalities in rates of involuntary admission and types of clinical care (such as psychological therapies). However, few studies have investigated if there is a relationship between clinical care practices and ethnic inequalities in involuntary admission.

AIMS

This study investigated the impact of ethnicity and clinical care on involuntary admission and the potential mediation effects of prior clinical care.

METHOD

In this retrospective cohort study, we used data from the electronic records of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and identified patients with a first hospital admission between January 2008 and May 2021. Logistic regression and mediation analyses were used to investigate the association between ethnicity and involuntary admission, and whether clinical care, in the 12 months preceding admission, mediates the association.

RESULTS

Compared with White British people, higher odds of involuntary admission were observed among 10 of 14 minority ethnic groups; with more than twice the odds observed among people of Asian Chinese, of Asian Bangladeshi and of any Black background. There were some ethnic differences in clinical care prior to admission, but these had a minimal impact on the inequalities in involuntary admission. More out-patient appointments and home treatment were associated with higher odds of involuntary admission, whereas psychological therapies and having a care plan were associated with reduced odds of involuntary admission.

CONCLUSIONS

Ethnic inequalities in involuntary admission persist after accounting for potential mediating effects of several types and frequencies of clinical care. Promoting access to psychological therapies and ensuring that care plans are in place may reduce involuntary admissions.

Effects of ethnic density on the risk of compulsory psychiatric admission for individuals attending secondary care mental health services: evidence from a large-scale study in England

BACKGROUND

Black, Asian and minority ethnicity groups may experience better health outcomes when living in areas of high own-group ethnic density - the so-called 'ethnic density' hypothesis. We tested this hypothesis for the treatment outcome of compulsory admission.

METHODS

Data from the 2010-2011 Mental Health Minimum Dataset (N = 1 053 617) was linked to the 2011 Census and 2010 Index of Multiple Deprivation. Own-group ethnic density was calculated by dividing the number of residents per ethnic group for each lower layer super output area (LSOA) in the Census by the LSOA total population. Multilevel modelling estimated the effect of own-group ethnic density on the risk of compulsory admission by ethnic group (White British, White other, Black, Asian and mixed), accounting for patient characteristics (age and gender), area-level deprivation and population density.

RESULTS

Asian and White British patients experienced a reduced risk of compulsory admission when living in the areas of high own-group ethnic density [odds ratios (OR) 0.97, 95% credible interval (CI) 0.95-0.99 and 0.94, 95% CI 0.93-0.95, respectively], whereas White minority patients were at increased risk when living in neighbourhoods of higher own-group ethnic concentration (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.11-1.26). Higher levels of own-group ethnic density were associated with an increased risk of compulsory admission for mixed-ethnicity patients, but only when deprivation and population density were excluded from the model. Neighbourhood-level concentration of own-group ethnicity for Black patients did not influence the risk of compulsory admission.

CONCLUSIONS

We found only minimal support for the ethnic density hypothesis for the treatment outcome of compulsory admission to under the Mental Health Act.

A Systematic Review of Inequalities in the Mental Health Experiences of Black African, Black Caribbean and Black-mixed UK Populations: Implications for Action

BACKGROUND

Measurable differences in the experience and treatment of mental health conditions have been found to exist between different racial categories of community groups. The objective of this research was to review the reported mental health of Black African-Caribbean communities in the UK, determinants of mental health, and interventions to enhance their experiences of mental health services.

METHOD

The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) Statement was applied. To be included, papers must be published in a peer reviewed journal; report on adult populations (over 18) from any of Black African, Black Caribbean or Black mixed people in the UK; and assess (quantitative), or discuss (qualitative) mental health experiences, determinants of mental health, or interventions intended to enhance experiences of mental health services among the target population. The aims, inclusion criteria, data extraction, and data quality evaluation were specified in advance. Searches were conducted using EBSCO (PsychInfo; MEDLINE; CINAHL Plus; psychology and behavioural sciences collection). The search strategy included search terms relating to the aim. Risk of bias was assessed using a standard tool, records were organised using Endnote, and data were extracted and synthesised using Microsoft Excel.

RESULTS

Thirty-six studies were included, of which 26 were quantitative and six reported exclusively on Black participants. Black populations were less likely to access mental health support via traditional pathways due to stigma and mistrust of mental health services. Black Africans especially, sought alternative help from community leaders, which increased the likelihood of accessing treatment at the point of crisis or breakdown, which in turn increased risk of being detained under the Mental Health Act and via the criminal justice system.

DISCUSSION

Findings suggest a cycle of poor mental health, coercive treatment, stigma, and mistrust of services as experienced by Black communities. Evidence was limited by poorly defined ethnic categories, especially where Black populations were subsumed into one category. It is recommended that mental health services work collaboratively with cultural and faith communities in supporting Black people to cope with mental illness, navigate mental health pathways, and provide culturally appropriate advice. Protocol Registration Number PROSPERO CRD42021261510.

Access to exercise for people with visual impairments during the Coronavirus-19 pandemic

People with blindness and visual impairments have reduced access to exercise compared to the general population during typical societal functioning. The Coronavirus-19 pandemic completely disrupted daily life for most individuals worldwide, and in the United Kingdom, a stay-at-home order was enforced. One of the sole reasons an individual could leave their home was for the purpose of daily exercise. Here, we examined how the UK national lockdown impacted access to exercise for people with blindness and visual impairment. We used a mixed methods design, collecting quantitative data from two established measures (the Exercise Barriers and Benefits Scale and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire), and qualitative data from open-ended questions. We found that, during the initial stages of the lockdown, perceived barriers to exercise increased compared to pre-pandemic levels, driven by factors, such as the closure of exercise facilities and additional difficulties posed by social distancing. Interestingly, during the later stages of the UK Coronavirus-19 response, perceived barriers decreased to lower than pre-pandemic levels. Thematic analysis indicated that this may have been due to participants finding new online methods to exercise at home, in combination with the tentative reopening of facilities.

Migrant status and risk of compulsory admission at first diagnosis of psychotic disorder: a population-based cohort study in Sweden

BACKGROUND

Minority ethnic and migrant groups face an elevated risk of compulsory admission for mental illness. There are overlapping cultural, socio-demographic, and structural explanations for this risk that require further investigation.

METHODS

By linking Swedish national register data, we established a cohort of persons first diagnosed with a psychotic disorder between 2001 and 2016. We used multilevel mixed-effects logistic modelling to investigate variation in compulsory admission at first diagnosis of psychosis across migrant and Swedish-born groups with individual and neighbourhood-level covariates.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 12 000 individuals, with 1298 (10.8%) admitted compulsorily. In an unadjusted model, being a migrant [odds ratio (OR) 1.48; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.26-1.73] or child of a migrant (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.10-1.47) increased risk of compulsory admission. However after multivariable modelling, region-of-origin provided a better fit to the data than migrant status; excess risk of compulsory admission was elevated for individuals from sub-Saharan African (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.51-2.49), Middle Eastern and North African (OR 1.46; 95% CI 1.17-1.81), non-Nordic European (OR 1.27; 95% CI 1.01-1.61), and mixed Swedish-Nordic backgrounds (OR 1.33; 95% CI 1.03-1.72). Risk of compulsory admission was greater in more densely populated neighbourhoods [OR per standard deviation (s.d.) increase in the exposure: 1.12, 95% CI 1.06-1.18], an effect that appeared to be driven by own-region migrant density (OR per s.d. increase in exposure: 1.12; 95% CI 1.02-1.24).

CONCLUSIONS

Inequalities in the risk of compulsory admission by migrant status, region-of-origin, urban living and own-region migrant density highlight discernible factors which raise barriers to equitable care and provide potential targets for intervention.

Gender differences in clinical presentation and illicit substance use during first episode psychosis: a natural language processing, electronic case register study

OBJECTIVE

To determine whether gender differences in symptom presentation at first episode psychosis (FEP) remain even when controlling for substance use, age and ethnicity, using natural language processing applied to electronic health records (EHRs).

DESIGN, SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS

Data were extracted from EHRs of 3350 people (62% male patients) who had presented to the South London and Maudsley NHS Trust with a FEP between 1 April 2007 and 31 March 2017. Logistic regression was used to examine gender differences in the presentation of positive, negative, depressive, mania and disorganisation symptoms.

EXPOSURES FOR OBSERVATIONAL STUDIES

Gender (male vs female).

MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES

Presence of positive, negative, depressive, mania and disorganisation symptoms at initial clinical presentation.

RESULTS

Eight symptoms were significantly more prevalent in men (poverty of thought, negative symptoms, social withdrawal, poverty of speech, aggression, grandiosity, paranoia and agitation). Conversely, tearfulness, low energy, reduced appetite, low mood, pressured speech, mood instability, flight of ideas, guilt, mutism, insomnia, poor concentration, tangentiality and elation were more prevalent in women than men. Negative symptoms were more common among men (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.33 to 2.62) and depressive and manic symptoms more common among women (OR 0.30, 95% CI 0.26 to 0.35). After adjustment for illicit substance use, the strength of associations between gender and negative, manic and depression symptoms increased, whereas gender differences in aggression, agitation, paranoia and grandiosity became insignificant.

CONCLUSIONS

There are clear gender differences in the clinical presentation of FEP. Our findings suggest that gender can have a substantial influence on the nature of clinical presentation in people with psychosis, and that this is only partly explained by exposure to illicit substance use.

Structural Disadvantage and Culture, Race, and Ethnicity in Early Psychosis Services: International Provider Survey

OBJECTIVE

Little is known about provider perspectives on programmatic responses to structural disadvantage and cultural differences within early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services, programs, and models. The primary objective of this study was to investigate providers' perspectives on the impacts of disadvantage and minority race, ethnicity, and culture and to describe current practices and perceived gaps and concerns.

METHODS

An online survey of specialized EIP providers was disseminated in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, Australia, and Chile. A total of 164 providers, representing 110 unique sites, completed the survey. Closed-ended questions gathered demographic and program data, including information on formal assessment of trauma or adversity, integration of trauma-informed care, integration of formal cultural assessment tools, training focused on culture, programmatic changes to address culture-related issues, and consultation with cultural insiders. Open-ended questions addressed the demographic mix of the program's client population; the perceived role and influence of trauma, structural disadvantage, and cultural differences; and concerns and needs related to these topics. Frequencies were examined for closed-ended items; open-ended responses were systematically coded.

RESULTS

Overall, survey findings suggested low levels of implementation of a variety of assessment and support practices related to cultural diversity in EIP programs. Coding of open-ended responses revealed numerous concerns regarding the impacts of disadvantage and cultural difference on clients and perceived gaps in policy and implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

An expansion of research and service development aimed at better meeting the disadvantage- and culture-related needs of young people with early psychosis and their families should be a priority for the field.

Ethnicity and impact on the receipt of cognitive-behavioural therapy in people with psychosis or bipolar disorder: an English cohort study

OBJECTIVES

(1) To explore the role of ethnicity in receiving cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) for people with psychosis or bipolar disorder while adjusting for differences in risk profiles and symptom severity. (2) To assess whether context of treatment (inpatient vs community) impacts on the relationship between ethnicity and access to CBT.

DESIGN

Cohort study of case register data from one catchment area (January 2007-July 2017).

SETTING

A large secondary care provider serving an ethnically diverse population in London.

PARTICIPANTS

Data extracted for 30 497 records of people who had diagnoses of bipolar disorder (International Classification of Diseases (ICD) code F30-1) or psychosis (F20-F29 excluding F21). Exclusion criteria were: <15 years old, missing data and not self-defining as belonging to one of the larger ethnic groups. The sample (n=20 010) comprised the following ethnic groups: white British: n=10 393; Black Caribbean: n=5481; Black African: n=2817; Irish: n=570; and 'South Asian' people (consisting of Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi people): n=749.

OUTCOME ASSESSMENTS

ORs for receipt of CBT (single session or full course) as determined via multivariable logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

In models adjusted for risk and severity variables, in comparison with White British people; Black African people were less likely to receive a single session of CBT (OR 0.73, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.82, p<0.001); Black Caribbean people were less likely to receive a minimum of 16-sessions of CBT (OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.98, p=0.03); Black African and Black Caribbean people were significantly less likely to receive CBT while inpatients (respectively, OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.65 to 0.89, p=0.001; OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.73 to 0.94, p=0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights disparity in receipt of CBT from a large provider of secondary care in London for Black African and Caribbean people and that the context of therapy (inpatient vs community settings) has a relationship with disparity in access to treatment.

Reasons behind the rising rate of involuntary admissions under the Mental Health Act (1983): Service use and cost impact

There has been a significant rise in the use of the Mental Health Act (1983) in England over the last 10 years. This includes both health-based Place of Safety detentions and involuntary admissions to NHS mental health facilities. Although these trends should clearly inform the implementation of mental health care and legislation, there is currently little understanding of what caused these increased rates. We therefore sought to explore potential underlying reasons for the increase in involuntary admissions and Place of Safety detentions and to ascertain the associated service costs. We extracted publicly available data to ascertain the observed number of involuntary admissions (Section 2 or 3) and health-based Place of Safety detentions in England between 1999/2000 and 2015/2016. A simple regression analysis then enabled us to compare observed admission rates with predicted rates, between 2008/2009 and 2015/2016. This prediction model was based on observed figures before 2008. We then generated a costing model for these rates and compared admission costs to alternative interventions. Finally, we added relevant covariates to the prediction model, to explore potential relationships with observed rates. Since 2008/2009, there has been a marked increase in the number of involuntary admissions (38%) and Place of Safety detentions (617%). The analysis revealed that for involuntary admissions, the period of greatest increase occurred after 2012, two years after austerity measures were implemented. For Place of Safety detentions, substantial rises were seen from 2008/2009 to 2015/2016, coinciding with the economic recession. The rise in Place of Safety detentions may have been worsened by a reduction in mental health bed availability. During the study period, involuntary admissions are estimated to have cost the English NHS £6.8 billion; with a further £120 million spent on Place of Safety detentions. This is approximately £597 million greater than predicted, had involuntary admissions continued to change at pre-2008 rates. We conclude that the rise in involuntary admissions, and to a lesser extent Place of Safety detentions, were associated with three specific impactful events: the economic recession, legislative changes and the impact of austerity measures on health and social care services. In addition to the extensive arguments presented elsewhere, there is also an urgent economic case for addressing this trend.

Risk of involuntary admission among first-generation ethnic minority groups with early psychosis: a retrospective cohort study using health administrative data

AIMS

Ethnic minority groups often have more complex and aversive pathways to mental health care. However, large population-based studies are lacking, particularly regarding involuntary hospitalisation. We sought to examine the risk of involuntary admission among first-generation ethnic minority groups with early psychosis in Ontario, Canada.

METHODS

Using health administrative data, we constructed a retrospective cohort (2009-2013) of people with first-onset non-affective psychotic disorder aged 16-35 years. This cohort was linked to immigration data to ascertain migrant status and country of birth. We identified the first involuntary admission within 2 years and compared the risk of involuntary admission for first-generation migrant groups to the general population. To control for the role of migrant status, we restricted the sample to first-generation migrants and examined differences by country of birth, comparing risk of involuntary admission among ethnic minority groups to a European reference. We further explored the role of migrant class by adjusting for immigrant vs refugee status within the migrant cohort. We also explored effect modification of migrant class by ethnic minority group.

RESULTS

We identified 15 844 incident cases of psychotic disorder, of whom 19% (n = 3049) were first-generation migrants. Risk of involuntary admission was higher than the general population in five of seven ethnic minority groups. African and Caribbean migrants had the highest risk of involuntary admission (African: risk ratio (RR) = 1.52, 95% CI = 1.34-1.73; Caribbean: RR = 1.58, 95% CI = 1.37-1.82), and were the only groups where the elevated risk persisted when compared to the European reference group within the migrant cohort (African: RR = 1.24, 95% CI = 1.04-1.48; Caribbean: RR = 1.29, 95% CI = 1.07-1.56). Refugee status was independently associated with involuntary admission (RR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.02-1.32); however, this risk varied by ethnic minority group, with Caribbean refugees having an elevated risk of involuntary admission compared with Caribbean immigrants (RR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.15-2.58).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings are consistent with the international literature showing increased rates of involuntary admission among some ethnic minority groups with early psychosis. Interventions aimed at improving pathways to care could be targeted at these groups to reduce disparities.

Compulsory admission at first presentation to services for psychosis: does ethnicity still matter? Findings from two population-based studies of first episode psychosis

OBJECTIVES

Compared with the majority population, those from minority ethnic groups in the UK are more likely to be admitted compulsorily during a first episode of psychosis (FEP). We investigated whether these disparities in pathways in to care continue.

METHODS

We analysed data from two first episode psychosis studies, conducted in the same geographical area in south London 15 years apart: the Aetiology and Ethnicity in Schizophrenia and Other Psychosis (AESOP) and the Clinical Record Interactive Search-First Episode Psychosis (CRIS-FEP) studies. The inclusion/exclusion criteria for case ascertainment for first episode psychosis were identical across the two studies. We performed multivariable logistic regression to estimate odds of compulsory admission by ethnic group, controlling for confounders.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred sixty-six patients with first episode psychosis, aged 18-64 years, who presented to mental health services in south London in 1997-1999 and 446 with FEP who presented in 2010-2012.

RESULTS

When the two samples  were compared, ethnic differences in compulsory admission appear to have remained the same for black African patients, i.e. three times higher than white British in both samples: AESOP (adj. OR = 3.96; 95% CI = 1.80-8.71) vs. CRIS-FEP (adj. OR = 3.12; 95% CI = 1.52-6.35). Black Caribbean patients were three times more likely to be compulsorily admitted in AESOP (adj. OR = 3.20; 95% CI = 1.56-6.54). This was lower in the CRIS-FEP sample (adj. OR = 1.68; 95% CI = 0.71-3.98) and did not meet conventional levels for statistical significance.

CONCLUSION

Ethnicity is strongly associated with compulsory admissions at first presentation for psychosis with evidence of heterogeneity across groups, which deserves further research.

Involuntary hospitalization among young people with early psychosis: A population-based study using health administrative data

OBJECTIVE

Early psychosis is an important window for establishing long-term trajectories. Involuntary hospitalization during this period may impact subsequent service engagement in people with newly diagnosed psychotic disorder. However, population-based studies of involuntary hospitalization in early psychosis are lacking. We sought to estimate the proportion of people aged 16 to 35 years with early psychosis in Ontario who are hospitalized involuntarily at first admission, and to identify the associated risk factors and outcomes.

METHODS

Using linked population-based health administrative data, we identified incident cases of non-affective psychosis over a five-year period (2009-2013) and followed cases for two years to ascertain the first psychiatric hospitalization. We used modified Poisson regression to model sociodemographic, clinical, and service-related risk factors, and compared service-related outcomes for cases admitted on an involuntary versus voluntary basis.

RESULTS

Among 17,725 incident cases of non-affective psychosis, 38% were hospitalized within two years, and 81% of these admissions occurred on an involuntary basis (26% of cohort). Sociodemographic factors associated with an increased risk of involuntary admission included younger age (16-20), and first-generation migrant status. The strongest risk factors were poor illness insight, recent police involvement, and admission to a general (versus psychiatric) hospital. Outcomes associated with involuntary admission included increased likelihood of control intervention use and a shorter length of stay.

CONCLUSIONS

One in four young people with first-episode psychosis will have an involuntary admission early in the course of their illness. Our findings highlight areas for intervention to improve pathways to care for people with psychotic disorder.

Ethnic variations in compulsory detention under the Mental Health Act: a systematic review and meta-analysis of international data

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) groups have an increased risk of involuntary psychiatric care. However, to our knowledge, there is no published meta-analysis that brings together both international and UK literature and allows for comparison of the two. This study examined compulsory detention in BAME and migrant groups in the UK and internationally, and aimed to expand upon existing systematic reviews and meta-analyses of the rates of detention for BAME populations.

METHODS

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched five databases (PsychINFO, MEDLINE, Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials, Embase, and CINAHL) for quantitative studies comparing involuntary admission, readmission, and inpatient bed days between BAME or migrant groups and majority or native groups, published between inception and Dec 3, 2018. We extracted data on study characteristics, patient-level data on diagnosis, age, sex, ethnicity, marital status, and occupational status, and our outcomes of interest (involuntary admission to hospital, readmission to hospital, and inpatient bed days) for meta-analysis. We used a random-effects model to compare disparate outcome measures. We assessed explanations offered for the differences between minority and majority groups for the strength of the evidence supporting them. This study is prospectively registered with PROSPERO, number CRD42017078137.

FINDINGS

Our search identified 9511 studies for title and abstract screening, from which we identified 296 potentially relevant full-text articles. Of these, 67 met the inclusion criteria and were reviewed in depth. We added four studies after reference and citation searches, meaning 71 studies in total were included. 1 953 135 participants were included in the studies. Black Caribbean patients were significantly more likely to be compulsorily admitted to hospital compared with those in white ethnic groups (odds ratio 2·53, 95% CI 2·03-3·16, p<0·0001). Black African patients also had significantly increased odds of being compulsorily admitted to hospital compared with white ethnic groups (2·27, 1·62-3·19, p<0·0001), as did, to a lesser extent, south Asian patients (1·33, 1·07-1·65, p=0·0091). Black Caribbean patients were also significantly more likely to be readmitted to hospital compared with white ethnic groups (2·30, 1·22-4·34, p=0·0102). Migrant groups were significantly more likely to be compulsorily admitted to hospital compared with native groups (1·50, 1·21-1·87, p=0·0003). The most common explanations for the increased risk of detainment in BAME populations included increased prevalence of psychosis, increased perceived risk of violence, increased police contact, absence of or mistrust of general practitioners, and ethnic disadvantages.

INTERPRETATION

BAME and migrant groups are at a greater risk of psychiatric detention than are majority groups, although there is variation across ethnic groups. Attempts to explain increased detention in ethnic groups should avoid amalgamation and instead carry out culturally-specific, hypothesis-driven studies to examine the numerous contributors to varying rates of detention.

FUNDING

University College London Hospitals National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Biomedical Research Centre, NIHR Biomedical Research Centre at South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, King's College London, and NIHR Collaboration for Leadership in Applied Health Research and Care North Thames at Bart's Health NHS Trust.

Ethnic inequalities and pathways to care in psychosis in England: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

As part of a national programme to tackle ethnic inequalities, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of research on ethnic inequalities in pathways to care for adults with psychosis living in England and/or Wales.

METHODS

Nine databases were searched from inception to 03.07.17 for previous systematic reviews, including forward and backward citation tracking and a PROSPERO search to identify ongoing reviews. We then carried forward relevant primary studies from included reviews (with the latest meta-analyses reporting on research up to 2012), supplemented by a search on 18.10.17 in MEDLINE, Embase, PsycINFO and CINAHL for primary studies between 2012 and 2017 that had not been covered by previous meta-analyses.

RESULTS

Forty studies, all conducted in England, were included for our updated meta-analyses on pathways to care. Relative to the White reference group, elevated rates of civil detentions were found for Black Caribbean (OR = 3.43, 95% CI = 2.68 to 4.40, n = 18), Black African (OR = 3.11, 95% CI = 2.40 to 4.02, n = 6), and South Asian patients (OR = 1.50, 95% CI 1.07 to 2.12, n = 10). Analyses of each Mental Health Act section revealed significantly higher rates for Black people under (civil) Section 2 (OR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.11 to 2.11, n = 3). Rates in repeat admissions were significantly higher than in first admission for South Asian patients (between-group difference p < 0.01). Some ethnic groups had more police contact (Black African OR = 3.60, 95% CI = 2.15 to 6.05, n = 2; Black Caribbean OR = 2.64, 95% CI = 1.88 to 3.72, n = 8) and criminal justice system involvement (Black Caribbean OR = 2.76, 95% CI = 2.02 to 3.78, n = 5; Black African OR = 1.92, 95% CI = 1.32 to 2.78, n = 3). The White Other patients also showed greater police and criminal justice system involvement than White British patients (OR = 1.49, 95% CI = 1.03 to 2.15, n = 4). General practitioner involvement was less likely for Black than the White reference group. No significant variations over time were found across all the main outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our updated meta-analyses reveal persisting but not significantly worsening patterns of ethnic inequalities in pathways to psychiatric care, particularly affecting Black groups. This provides a comprehensive evidence base from which to inform policy and practice amidst a prospective Mental Health Act reform.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

CRD42017071663.

Psychological interventions on a specialist Early Intervention Inpatient Unit: An opportunity to engage?

BACKGROUND

This study explored engagement with psychology on a specialist early intervention psychosis inpatient unit, with a focus on whether demographics or admission factors impacted on engagement.

METHOD

This was a retrospective cohort study using data extracted from patient notes for all service users who were admitted to an Early Intervention ward during a specified 6-month period. One hundred and one records were identified.

RESULTS

Sixty-eight (67.3%) of the service users engaged in psychological therapy, 45.6% (n = 47) attended psychology groups and 58.4% (n = 59) engaged in individual psychology sessions. Service users admitted to the ward voluntarily were more likely to engage in individual psychology sessions in comparison to those admitted under section of the mental health act (β = -0.270, P < .005). Length of admission predicted engagement with groups (β = 0.38, P < .001) and individual psychology sessions (β = 0.408, P < .001). Ethnicity, gender and number of admissions did not predict engagement in psychology.

CONCLUSIONS

Psychological interventions are acceptable on a specialist early intervention psychosis inpatient ward and offer an opportunity to engage service users. Engagement was not predicted by demographic factors typically seen in community settings. Implications arising from these differences are discussed.

Co-production and evaluation of an e-learning resource to improve African-Caribbean families' knowledge about schizophrenia and engagement with services: a pilot randomised controlled trial protocol

BACKGROUND

A higher proportion of African-Caribbean people in the UK are diagnosed with schizophrenia spectrum disorders than other ethnic groups. High levels of shame and stigma at individual and community levels contribute to delayed access to care, potentially increasing the duration of untreated psychosis and so worsening outcomes. Inferior access, more coercive care, and worse outcomes have created a 'circle of fear' of mental health services within African-Caribbean communities. This further discourages early engagement with statutory services and increases the burden of care for families living with schizophrenia.Providing tailored and relevant information about psychosis (psychoeducation) has the potential for improving outcomes for patients and families. However, there are no culturally appropriate psychoeducation programmes for African-Caribbeans in the UK. We aim to determine whether an e-learning resource, co-produced with African-Caribbean stakeholders to improve knowledge about psychoses, would be culturally acceptable and accessible to members of this population.

METHODS

A pilot randomised controlled trial of the feasibility of co-producing and testing a novel e-learning resource to improve knowledge about and attitudes towards schizophrenia in African-Caribbean families. We will seek to recruit 40 participants, aged ≥ 16 years, either to receive the intervention or as controls. They will self-refer or be referred via inpatient and wellbeing services, family and carers' forums, statutory community mental health teams, and voluntary sector/non-governmental agencies (NGOs). Participants will complete the Ca-KAP, ASMI, and SF-12. Acceptability will be explored qualitatively via focus groups and individual semi-structured interviews.

DISCUSSION

The proposed trial will demonstrate the feasibility of conducting a fully powered RCT to evaluate the efficacy of an e-learning resource about schizophrenia with African-Caribbean families. Qualitative work will explore the intervention's accessibility and barriers/facilitators to participation, including attitudes to randomisation. These data will facilitate further refinement of the intervention.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

ISRCTN11394005, retrospectively registered 20/03/2018.

Predictors of severe relapse in pregnant women with psychotic or bipolar disorders

Pregnancy in women with severe mental illness is associated with adverse outcomes for mother and infant. There are limited data on prevalence and predictors of relapse in pregnancy. A historical cohort study using anonymised comprehensive electronic health records from secondary mental health care linked with national maternity data was carried out. Women with a history of serious mental illness who were pregnant (2007-2011), and in remission at the start of pregnancy, were studied; severe relapse was defined as admission to acute care or self-harm. Predictors of relapse were analysed using random effects logistic regression to account for repeated measures in women with more than one pregnancy in the study period. In 454 pregnancies (389 women) there were 58 (24%) relapses in women with non-affective psychoses and 25 (12%) in women with affective psychotic or bipolar disorders. Independent predictors of relapse included non-affective psychosis (adjusted OR = 2.03; 95% CI = 1.16-3.54), number of recent admissions (1.37; 1.03-1.84), recent self-harm (2.24; 1.15-4.34), substance use (2.15; 1.13-4.08), smoking (2.52; 1.26-5.02) and non-white ethnicity (black ethnicity: 2.37; 1.23-4.57, mixed/other ethnicity: 2.94; 1.32-6.56). Women on no regular medication throughout first trimester were also at greater risk of relapse in pregnancy (1.99; 1.05-3.75). There was no interaction between severity of illness and medication status as relapse predictors. Therefore, women with non-affective psychosis and higher number of recent acute admissions are at significant risk of severe relapse in pregnancy. Continuation of medication in women with severe mental illness who become pregnant may be protective.

Psychiatric Emergencies of Asylum Seekers; Descriptive Analysis and Comparison with Immigrants of Warranted Residence

Background: The aim of our study was to assess utilization patterns of psychiatric services by asylum seekers. Methods: We included 119 adults who presented themselves at the University Emergency Department between 1 March 2012 and 1 January 2017 for psychiatric consultation. Descriptive data were compared with a control group of non-Swiss individuals with warranted residence permits using Mann-Whitney-U and chi square (χ²) tests. Results: Patients were mainly single, male, residing in reception centers, and presented themselves most frequently due to suicidal ideation. Almost 60% of the patients were assigned to inpatient treatments, with 28 involuntary cases. Compared to the control group, asylum seekers were younger and more often men (p < 0.001 for both). Further, they less often had family in Switzerland (χ² = 9.91, p = 0.007). The proportion of patients coming in as walk-ins was significantly higher in the control group than in asylum seekers (χ² = 37.0, p < 0.001). Asylum seekers were more frequently referred due to suicidal ideation and aggressive behavior than participants in the control group (χ² = 80.07, p < 0.001). Diagnoses for asylum seekers infrequently included mood, as they often reported stress-related disorders (χ² = 19.6, p = 0.021) and they were infrequently released home (χ² = 9.19, p = 0.027). Conclusion: Asylum seekers more frequently demonstrated severe symptoms such as suicidal ideation and aggressive behavior and they were mainly treated as inpatients, potentially due to minimal social resources.

First episode psychosis in the over 35 s: is there a role for early intervention?

AIM

The early intervention (EI) model appears to improve outcomes of psychosis for younger people, and there is now interest in implementing it in older groups. In the UK, the National Institute of Clinical Excellence advised that EI should be accessible to all individuals with first episode psychosis (FEP). We aimed to explore the likely impact on EI workloads and clinical populations of extending age range.

METHODS

Data were collected on all patients aged 36-65 years who were referred to an inner London EI service from 2011-2014 using the MiData 2 tool at entry and at 1-year follow up.

RESULTS

People aged between 36 and 65 represented 30% of all referrals to the service. There were high levels of recorded past trauma in the sample (62.5%), half had dependent children (58.3%) and just under half physical comorbidity (48.6%). Duration of untreated psychosis was less than a year for the majority. At 1-year follow up, inpatient admission rates were lower than in previously studied younger EI populations, but only 15% experienced a single episode with full remission.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that admitting over 35-year-olds to EI results in a substantial increase in workload. A large proportion had become unwell relatively recently, indicating that the concept of EI may not be redundant in this age range. Evidence is needed on EI effectiveness in this group.

The use of psychiatric services by young adults who came to Sweden as teenage refugees: a national cohort study

AIMS

To investigate the patterns of use of different forms of psychiatric care in refugees who settled in Sweden as teenagers.

METHOD

Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate the use of different forms of psychiatric care from 2009 to 2012 in a population of 35 457 refugees, aged from 20 to 36, who had settled in Sweden as teenagers between 1989 and 2004. These findings were compared with 1.26 million peers from the same birth cohorts in the general Swedish population.

RESULTS

Unaccompanied and accompanied refugees were more likely to experience compulsory admission to a psychiatric hospital compared with the native Swedish population, with hazard ratios (HRs) of 2.76 (1.86-4.10) and 1.89 (1.53-2.34), respectively, as well as psychiatric inpatient care, with HRs of 1.62 (1.34-1.94) and 1.37 (1.25-1.50). Outpatient care visits by the young refugees were similar to the native Swedish population. The longer the refugees had residency in Sweden, the more they used outpatient psychiatric care. Refugees born in the Horn of Africa and Iran were most likely to undergo compulsory admission, with HRs of 3.98 (2.12-7.46) and 3.07 (1.52-6.19), respectively. They were also the groups who were most likely to receive inpatient care, with HRs of 1.55 (1.17-2.06) and 1.84 (1.37-2.47), respectively. Our results also indicated that the use of psychiatric care services increased with the level of education in the refugee population, while the opposite was true for the native Swedish population. In fact, the risks of compulsory admissions were particularly higher among refugees who had received a secondary education, compared with native Swedish residents, with HRs of 4.72 (3.06-7.29) for unaccompanied refugees and 2.04 (1.51-2.73) for accompanied refugees.

CONCLUSIONS

Young refugees received more psychiatric inpatient care than the native Swedish population, with the highest rates seen in refugees who were not accompanied by their parents. The discrepancy between the use of inpatient and outpatient care by young refugees suggests that there are barriers to outpatient care, but we did note that living in Sweden longer increased the use of outpatient services. Further research is needed to clarify the role that education levels among Sweden's refugee populations have on their mental health and health-seeking behaviour.

Patterns of illness and care over the 5 years following onset of psychosis in different ethnic groups; the GAP-5 study

PURPOSE

Previous research has not provided us with a comprehensive picture of the longitudinal course of psychotic disorders in Black people living in Europe. We sought to investigate clinical outcomes and pattern of care in Black African and Black Caribbean groups compared with White British patients during the first 5 years after first contact with mental health services for psychosis.

METHODS

245 FEP cases aged 18-65 who presented to psychiatric services in 2005-2010 in South London (UK). Using the electronic psychiatric clinical notes in the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust (SLaM), extensive information was collected on three domains-clinical, social, and service use.

RESULTS

During the 5-year follow-up (mean = 5.1 years, s.d. = 2.4; 1251 person years) after first contact with mental health services, a higher proportion of Black African and Black Caribbean ethnicity had compulsory re-admissions (χ 2 = 17.34, p = 0.002) and instances of police involvement during an admission to a psychiatric unit (χ 2 = 22.82, p < 0.001) compared with White British ethnic group. Patients of Black African and Black Caribbean ethnicity did not differ from the ethnic group in overall functional disability and illness severity, or frequency of remission or recovery during the follow-up period. However, patients of Black ethnicity become increasing socially excluded as their illness progress.

CONCLUSIONS

The longitudinal trajectory of psychosis in patients of Black ethnicity did not show greater clinical or functional deterioration than white patients. However, their course remains characterised by more compulsion, and longer periods of admission.

Examining the impact of migrant status on ethnic differences in mental health service use preceding a first diagnosis of schizophrenia

PURPOSE

Some ethnic groups have more negative contacts with health services for first-episode psychosis, likely arising from a complex interaction between ethnicity, socio-economic factors, and immigration status. Using population-based health administrative data, we sought to examine the effects of ethnic group and migrant status on patterns of health service use preceding a first diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder among people aged 14-35 over a 10-year period.

METHODS

We compared access to care and intensity of service use for first-generation ethnic minority groups to the general population of Ontario. To control for migrant status, we restricted the sample to first-generation migrants and compared service use indicators for ethnic minority groups to the European migrant group.

RESULTS

Our cohort included 18,080 people with a first diagnosis of schizophrenia or schizoaffective disorder, of whom 14.4% (n = 2607) were the first-generation migrants. Our findings suggest that the magnitude of ethnic differences in health service use is reduced and no longer statistically significant when the sample is restricted to first-generation migrants. Of exception, nearly, all migrant groups have lower intensity of primary care use, and Caribbean migrants are consistently less likely to use psychiatric services.

CONCLUSIONS

We observed fewer ethnic differences in health service use preceding the first diagnosis of psychosis when patterns are compared among first-generation migrants, rather than to the general population, suggesting that the choice of reference group influences ethnic patterning of health service use. We need a comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms behind observed differences for minority groups to adequately address disparities in access to care.

Gender differences in one-year outcomes of first-presentation psychosis patients in inner-city UK Early Intervention Services

AIM

Men and women have historically been shown to differ in their presentation and outcome of psychotic disorders and thus are likely to have different treatment needs. It is unclear whether Early Intervention Services (EIS) are able to provide equitable care for both men and women presenting for the first time with psychosis. The main aim of this study was to explore gender differences for first-presentation psychosis patients at the time of their referral to inner-city EIS and their outcomes 1 year later.

METHODS

Audit data were utilized from 1098 first-presentation psychosis patients from seven EIS across London, UK, collected via the computerized MiData package. Binary logistic regression was employed to detect potential associations between gender and (i) initial clinical presentation (including duration of untreated psychosis, pathways to care, risk behaviours); and (ii) 1-year clinical and functional outcomes.

RESULTS

At entry to EIS, male patients presented with more violent behaviour whereas female patients had more suicide attempts. Following 1 year of EIS care, men still presented as more violent towards others whereas women were more likely to have been admitted to a psychiatric ward.

CONCLUSION

Gender differences in clinical outcome, service use and risk behaviours were apparent within the first year of specialist psychosis care. This may be partly due to the different pathways to care taken by men and women and differences in clinical presentation. Greater focus on the specific needs of each gender by EIS in detection and intervention is required to improve equality of outcome.

Incidence of schizophrenia among migrants in the Netherlands: a direct comparison of first contact and longitudinal register approaches

PURPOSE

To estimate the effect of selective sampling on first contact (FC) studies of the relation between migration and schizophrenia.

METHODS

We compared the FC method directly with a more inclusive longitudinal psychiatric register (LPR) method, by letting both methods estimate age and sex adjusted incidence rate ratios (IRR) in the population of The Hague aged 20-54 years, for the three largest migrant groups (first and second generation Caribbean, Turkish, and Moroccan) relative to the native Dutch population.

RESULTS

Both methods found that the adjusted IRR was higher for migrants than for native Dutch [all migrants IRR = 1.70 (95% Cl 1.30-2.21) for the LPR method and 1.91 (95% Cl 1.15-3.25) for the FC]. The IRR for Moroccans was significantly lower in the LPR [IRR 2.69 (95% 2.10-3.41)] than in the FC study [4.81 (3.41-6.68)]. The FC method was relatively more inclusive for migrants presenting at earlier ages or with shorter durations of prior treatment (DPT) than the native Dutch. This resulted in differential sampling and artificially higher IRRs for Moroccan and, to a lesser extent, Turkish migrants.

CONCLUSION

We confirm that the incidence of schizophrenia is raised twofold for migrants compared to nonmigrants. Using the LPR method, however, IRR estimates were less pronounced for most migrant groups than in a high quality FC study conducted in the same population. The FC method may overestimate the risk of schizophrenia for migrant groups who seek first mental health at a relatively younger age, or who present directly with schizophrenia.

Equity of utilisation of cardiovascular care and mental health services in England: a cohort-based cross-sectional study using small-area estimation

Background

A strong policy emphasis on the need to reduce both health inequalities and unmet need in deprived areas has resulted in the substantial redistribution of English NHS funding towards deprived areas. This raises the question of whether or not socioeconomically disadvantaged people continue to be disadvantaged in their access to and utilisation of health care.

Objectives

To generate estimates of the prevalence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and common mental health disorders (CMHDs) at a variety of scales, and to make these available for public use via Public Health England (PHE). To compare these estimates with utilisation of NHS services in England to establish whether inequalities of use relative to need at various stages on the health-care pathway are associated with particular sociodemographic or other factors.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of practice-, primary care trust- and Clinical Commissioning Group-level variations in diagnosis, prescribing and specialist management of CVD and CMHDs relative to the estimated prevalence of those conditions (calculated using small-area estimation).

Results

The utilisation of CVD care appears more equitable than the utilisation of care for CMHDs. In contrast to the reviewed literature, we found little evidence of underutilisation of services by older populations. Indeed, younger populations appear to be less likely to access care for some CVD conditions. Nor did deprivation emerge as a consistent predictor of lower use relative to need for either CVD or CMHDs. Ethnicity is a consistent predictor of variations in use relative to need. Rates of primary management are lower than expected in areas with higher percentages of black populations for diabetes, stroke and CMHDs. Areas with higher Asian populations have higher-than-expected rates of diabetes presentation and prescribing and lower-than-expected rates of secondary care for diabetes. For both sets of conditions, there are pronounced geographical variations in use relative to need. For instance, the North East has relatively high levels of use of cardiac care services and rural (shire) areas have low levels of use relative to need. For CMHDs, there appears to be a pronounced ‘London effect’, with the number of people registered by general practitioners as having depression, or being prescribed antidepressants, being much lower in London than expected. A total of 24 CVD and 41 CMHD prevalence estimates have been provided to PHE and will be publicly available at a range of scales, from lower- and middle-layer super output areas through to Clinical Commissioning Groups and local authorities.

Conclusions

We found little evidence of socioeconomic inequality in use for CVD and CMHDs relative to underlying need, which suggests that the strong targeting of NHS resources to deprived areas may well have addressed longstanding concerns about unmet need. However, ethnicity has emerged as a significant predictor of inequality, and there are large and unexplained geographical variations in use relative to need for both conditions which undermine the principle of equal access to health care for equal needs. The persistence of ethnic variations and the role of systematic factors (such as rurality) in shaping patterns of utilisation deserve further investigation, as does the fact that the models were far better at explaining variation in use of CVD than mental health services.

Funding

The National Institute for Health Research Health Services and Delivery Research programme.

The association between continuity of care and readmission to hospital in patients with severe psychosis

PURPOSE

Providing good continuity of care to patients is considered a vital component of community mental health services, but there is limited evidence that it is associated with good outcomes. We measured service use and a multidimensional concept of continuity of care in 323 patients who were to be discharged from hospital following compulsory treatment for psychosis to investigate the association between continuity and rehospitalisation.

METHODS

We conducted a 36-month prospective cohort study of the patients recruited to the Oxford Community Treatment Order Trial (OCTET). We collected data from medical records on eight previously operationalized measures of continuity. We conducted regression analyses to determine the association between these measures and readmission to hospital, time to readmission, and the number of days spent in hospital.

RESULTS

Almost two thirds (n = 206, 63.8%) of patients were readmitted. Patients were seen frequently, with a mean of 2.9 (SD = 2.47) contacts a month throughout the follow-up. Less frequent contact was significantly associated with lower odds of rehospitalisation and fewer days in hospital. More changes in the patient's care coordinator were associated with more time in hospital. Patients who had a higher proportion of clinical correspondence copied to them spent fewer days in hospital.

CONCLUSION

Patients with severe and relapsing psychotic illness are seen frequently and consistently in community mental health services. Higher levels of patient contact could be a response to the severity of illness rather than a marker of quality of care. Using a simple linear interpretation of contact frequency as a measure of continuity of care in this patient group may be of limited value in modern services.

Ethnicity and detention: are Black and minority ethnic (BME) groups disproportionately detained under the Mental Health Act 2007?

PURPOSE

There is substantial evidence to suggest that Black and minority ethnic (BME) patients are disproportionately detained under the Mental Health Act (MHA). We examined ethnic differences in patients assessed for detention and explored the effect of ethnicity after controlling for confounders.

METHODS

A prospective study of all MHA assessments conducted in 1 year (April 2009-March 2010) within Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health Foundation Trust, UK. Proportion of assessments and detentions within denominator population of service users and regional populations were calculated. Multiple regression analysis was conducted to determine which variables were associated with the outcome of MHA assessment and the role of ethnicity.

RESULTS

Of the 1115 assessments, 709 led to detentions (63.58 %). BME ethnic groups were statistically more likely to be assessed and detained under the MHA as compared to Whites, both in the service user and the ethnic population estimates in Birmingham, UK. MHA detention was predicted by having a serious mental illness, the presence of risk, older age and living alone. Ethnicity was not associated with detention under the MHA with age, diagnosis, risk and level of social support accounted for.

CONCLUSION

The BME 'disproportionality' in detention rates seems to be due to higher rates of mental illness, greater risk and poorer levels of social support rather than ethnicity per se.

Ethnicity and pathways to care during first episode psychosis: the role of cultural illness attributions

BACKGROUND

Studies demonstrate ethnic variations in pathways to care during first episode psychosis (FEP). There are no extant studies, however, that have statistically examined the influence of culturally mediated illness attributions on these variations.

METHODS

We conducted an observational study of 123 (45 White; 35 Black; 43 Asian) patients recruited over a two-year period from an Early Intervention Service (EIS) in Birmingham, UK. Sociodemographic factors (age; sex; education; country of birth; religious practice; marital status; living alone), duration of untreated psychosis (DUP), service contacts (general practitioner; emergency services; faith-based; compulsory detention; criminal justice) and illness attributions ("individual;" "natural;" "social;" "supernatural;" "no attribution") were assessed.

RESULTS

Ethnic groups did not differ in DUP (p = 0.86). Asian patients were more likely to report supernatural illness attributions in comparison to White (Odds Ratio: 4.02; 95 % Confidence Intervals: 1.52, 10.62) and Black (OR: 3.48; 95 % CI: 1.25, 9.67) patients. In logistic regressions controlling for confounders and illness attributions, Black (OR: 14.00; 95 % CI: 1.30, 151.11) and Asian (OR: 13.29; 95 % CI: 1.26, 140.47) patients were more likely to consult faith-based institutions than White patients. Black patients were more likely to be compulsorily detained than White patients (OR: 4.56; 95 % CI: 1.40, 14.85).

CONCLUSION

Illness attributions and sociodemographic confounders do not fully explain the ethnic tendency to seek out faith-based institutions. While Asian and Black patients are more likely to seek help from faith-based organisations, this does not appear to lead to a delay in contact with mental health services.

Evaluation of a community awareness programme to reduce delays in referrals to early intervention services and enhance early detection of psychosis

BACKGROUND

Reducing treatment delay and coercive pathways to care are accepted aims for Early Intervention Services (EIS) for people experiencing first episode psychosis but how to achieve this is unclear. A one-year community awareness programme was implemented in a London EIS team, targeting staff in non-health service community organisations. The programme comprised psycho-educational workshops and EIS link workers, and offering direct referral routes to EIS. Its feasibility and its impact on duration of untreated psychosis and pathways to EIS were evaluated.

METHODS

Evaluation comprised: pre and post questionnaires with workshop participants assessing knowledge and attitudes to psychosis and mental health services; and a comparison of new service users' "service DUP"(time from first psychotic symptom to first contact with EIS) and pathways to care in the intervention year and preceding year. Focus groups sought stakeholders' views regarding the benefits and limitations of the programme and what else might promote help-seeking.

RESULTS

41 workshops at 36 community organisations were attended by 367 staff. 19 follow up workshops were conducted and 16 services were allocated an EIS link worker. Participants' knowledge and attitudes to psychosis and attitudes to mental health services improved significantly following workshops. In the year of the intervention, only 6 of 110 new service users reached EIS directly via community organisations. For all new referrals accepted by EIS, in the intervention year compared to the previous year, there was no difference in mean or median service DUP. A clear impact on pathways to care could not be discerned. Stakeholders suggested that barriers to referral remained. These included: uncertainty about the signs of early psychosis, disengagement by young people when becoming unwell, and worries about stigma or coercive treatment from mental health services. More general, youth focused, mental health services were proposed.

CONCLUSIONS

The community awareness programme did not reduce treatment delays for people experiencing first episode psychosis. Further research is needed regarding effective means to reduce duration of untreated psychosis. Although EIS services are guided to promote access through community engagement, this may not be an effective use of their limited resources.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Current Controlled Trial ISRCTN98260910 Registered 19th May 2010.