Supporting community clinicians to work proactively with psychosis: lessons learnt in the UK
Catherine Gamble
Research into schizophrenia and community mental health care provision identified key psychosocial interventions, such as family work, case management and cognitive behavioural approaches to reduce patients relapse rates. The efficacy and effectiveness of these interventions was recognised, but practitioners were not using them.
With monetary support from the Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust, the Thorn Initiative was conceptualised. Its aim was to develop multi-disciplinary training in psychosocial interventions using a cascade model, by recruiting people with sufficient calibre to establish satellite training centres in the UK. Mental Health Nurses were originally targeted, as they were the largest group of professionals working with people with schizophrenia in the community. In much the same way as the Macmillan Nurse, supports those with cancer in the UK, it was envisaged that with specific, evidence based skills Mental Health Nurse’s could influence change, reduce the burden placed on carers and improve this client group’s health, social functioning and quality of life. The manner in which the Thorn course is implemented confirms that clients and their families derive significant benefits from the interventions they receive from those trained. There are now over 80 courses across the UK and the training has been highlighted, by the Government as the Gold Standard for Mental Health professionals working with those with psychosis.
This lecture aims to review principles learnt from Thorn implementation and identify ways to sustain quality care in community settings.