Retrospective cohort study examines engagement types and their impact on health service use in first-episode psychosis, suggesting implications for improving access.
Key Points
This study aims to explore the engagement patterns of individuals in an early psychosis program and their subsequent health service utilization.
Retrospective cohort of 331 individuals in the Nova Scotia Early Psychosis Program from July 2005 to October 2015.
Characterization of engagement types as engaged, intermittently engaged, or disengaged based on demographics and clinical factors.
Negative binomial regression models assessed associations between engagement and post-program health service utilization.
35% of the intermittently engaged group spent more than 30 days in the hospital during program enrollment.
85% of the intermittently engaged group had at least one emergency department visit, and 55% had one hospital admission.
The patterns of health service use during the program were the strongest predictors of post-program health service utilization.