AUTHOR=Cheng Chiachen , Nadin Shevaun , Bohonis Hafsa , Katt Mae , Dewa Carolyn S. 

TITLE=NorthBEAT: exploring the service needs of youth experiencing early psychosis in Northern Ontario

JOURNAL=Frontiers in Health Services

VOLUME=Volume 3 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/health-services/articles/10.3389/frhs.2023.1163452

DOI=10.3389/frhs.2023.1163452

ISSN=2813-0146

ABSTRACT=Early Psychosis Intervention (EPI) is critical for best outcomes Among 369 diseases, psychosis is among those causing the
greatest disability. Evidence-based interventions for youth in early stages of psychosis (EPI programs) have prevented chronic
disability. Yet, EPI is frequently inaccessible for youth living in rural communities. Moreover, Indigenous youth often face more
precipitous situations given inadequate staffing, insufficient funding and culturally unsafe care. The NorthBEAT (Barriers to
Early Assessment and Treatment) project sought to understand the service needs of youth with psychosis in Northern Ontario.
NorthBEAT 1) described the mental health of a subset of adolescents receiving EPI care; 2) examined Indigenous youth as a
significant and vulnerable population; 3) sought to understand the barriers and facilitators for Indigenous and non-Indigenous
youth receiving EPI.
Methods
Mixed methods (structured and narrative interviews) included: youth were assessed using psychometric scales, narrative
interviews were conducted with youth, their family, and service providers Data validation workshops were held with
participants.
Results
Structured interviews with 26 youth (M=17 years) found the participants functioning moderately well with a duration of
untreated psychosis ranging from 1-96 months (M=26 months). No significant differences were found in functioning or
duration of psychosis between Indigenous and non-Indigenous youth.
Narrative interviews were conducted with 18 youth, 11 family members, and 14 service providers. I d e n t i f i e d
b arriers were a lack of knowledge about psychosis among service providers, a disconnected system leading to delays
in treatment, help not wanted by youth, expansive geographical context. Service needs were: finding the right point
of access, support for families, p r e - c r i s i s intervention, reduced stigma for youth and their families, and an EPI
approach to care.
Discussion
Rural and northern youth face similar barriers to accessing EPI as urban youth. However, n o r t h e r n youth face