Audit of early intervention in psychosis service development in England in 2005

AIMS AND METHOD This study provides an overview of the development of early intervention services for psychosis across England in February 2005. A bespoke self-report audit tool was completed by key informants across the eight regional development centres of the National Institute for Mental Health in England. RESULTS Out of117 teams identified, 86 have funding, of which 63 are operational with case-managed patients (as of February 2005). Only 3 teams meet all 10 audited early intervention fidelity requirements and there are variations in service model, delivery setting and resources across teams. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Current inequity of access and the early, fragile nature of service development means that early intervention in England has reached a critical phase requiring consolidation.