Epidemiology and Biostatistics Publications
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
12-1-2023
Journal
Canadian Family Physician
Volume
69
Issue
12
First Page
859
Last Page
866
URL with Digital Object Identifier
https://doi.org/10.46747/cfp.6912859
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To describe the provision of care for young people following first diagnosis of psychotic disorder.
DESIGN: Retrospective cohort study using health administrative data.
SETTING: Ontario.
PARTICIPANTS: People aged 14 to 35 years with a first diagnosis of nonaffective psychotic disorder in Ontario between 2005 and 2015 (N=39,449).
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Models of care, defined by psychosis-related service contacts with primary care physicians and psychiatrists during the 2 years after first diagnosis of psychotic disorder.
RESULTS: During the 2-year follow-up period, 29% of the cohort received only primary care, 30% received only psychiatric care, and 32% received both primary and psychiatric care (shared care). Among the shared care group, 72% received care predominantly from psychiatrists, 20% received care predominantly from primary care physicians, and 9% received approximately equal care from psychiatry and primary care. Variation in patient and physician characteristics was observed across the different models of care.
CONCLUSION: One in 3 young people with psychotic disorder received shared care during the 2-year period after first diagnosis. The findings highlight opportunities for increasing collaboration between primary care physicians and psychiatrists to enhance the quality of care for those with early psychosis.