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ISPS-US 23rd Annual Conference | November 1-3, 2024 | University of Pittsburgh & Duquesne University | Pittsburgh, PA & Hybrid Online | Preliminary Schedule
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Integrating Peer Support and Family Experience in Psychosis Care (Virtual Only)
Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Virtual only (Zoom)
Background: Outcomes in early psychosis are greatly improved by intervening at the earliest possible point using a Coordinated Specialty Care (CSC) model that facilitates comprehensive, multi-disciplinary care for individuals who are exhibiting early signs and symptoms of psychosis. However, there is little guidance on family interventions that best compliments the care the client is receiving, and that meets the unique needs of the family, within CSC. Psychosis REACH (Recovery by Enabling Adult Carers at Home) is a Family Intervention for psychosis (FIp) that delivers psychoeducation, evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis (CBTp)-informed skills and peer support to family caregivers in the community. This study examines family members’ qualitative experiences receiving the pREACH intervention in a CSC setting.  Method: 20 Family members, whose loved ones are receiving care in an early psychosis clinic, received training in the pREACH model, attended follow-up monthly coaching calls and peer family ambassador support for 6 months. Ten family members participated in a 45min semi-structured interview to provide feedback on the intervention. A Reflexive Thematic Analysis (RTA) was conducted using NVIVO by three team members not involved in intervention delivery.  Results: Three principal themes emerged from the RTA: (1) confidence (i.e., building internal resources), (2) connection (i.e., building external resources), (3) improvements for future cohorts. Discussion: This study is the first qualitative exploration of the integration of pREACH in an early psychosis service. Challenges and opportunities for integration will be discussed and areas for future study presented.

Oral Health Recovery: A Peer Specialist-Led Dental Education Program - Adrienne Lapidos, PhD
Introduction: The link between oral health and mental health is well established, leading advocates to declare that there is “no mental health without oral health” (Kisley, 2016). But people with psychotic disorders are subject to significant oral health disparities, driven by psychological factors; medication side-effects (chiefly xerostomia, or “dry mouth”); and social determinants of health impacting dental care utilization. This presentation will review the bidirectional relationship between mental health and oral health, and describe the results of a pilot study which implemented a Peer Specialist-led oral health education and referral program.

Methods: Community-engaged methods were utilized. Randomized parallel assignment was used to compare two arms: (1) group viewing of an oral health educational video (VC), and (2) a peer-led one-time class providing education and motivation to access dental care (Oral Health Recovery Group, OHRG). In both arms, Peer Specialists followed up with participants to facilitate scheduling dental appointments and reinforce goals. Oral health knowledge, at-home care, motivation, and appointment scheduling were ascertained. Qualitative interviews assessed barriers and facilitators.

Results: Sixty-two people participated. Participants were dentally vulnerable, with 27% reporting they had 9 teeth or less, 55% reporting their teeth caused discomfort in the past 12 months, and 48% reporting xerostomia. Pre/post-intervention survey results did not significantly improve or differ between arms. At follow-up, 25 (68%) in OHRG and 14 (56%) in VC attributed meeting a dental goal to the program. Ten (27%) in OHRG and 9 (36%) in VC attributed making a dentist appointment to the program. Participants were comfortable with Peer Specialists in this role, yet access barriers remained.

Conclusions: Surveys did not significantly improve, suggesting that more intensive interventions are needed. Nevertheless, 19 highly vulnerable people successfully scheduled dentist appointments after only a one-time class and light-touch peer navigation. Oral health integration shows promise, meriting further research.
Speakers
avatar for Katie Benitah, MSc, MA

Katie Benitah, MSc, MA

York University
Passionate about unraveling the complexities of psychology and neuroscience, I thrive in collaborative environments where teamwork and leadership drive transformative outcomes. Currently pursuing my doctoral degree, I bring a unique blend of research and clinical practice experience... Read More →
avatar for Melanie Lean

Melanie Lean

Stanford University
Melanie Lean, Clin.Psych.D. is a Californian and UK licensed clinical psychologist, Clinical Assistant Professor, and assistant director of research in the INSPIRE early psychosis clinic, Stanford University School of Medicine. She provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for psychosis... Read More →
avatar for Adrienne Lapidos, PhD

Adrienne Lapidos, PhD

University of Michigan
Adrienne is a licensed clinical psychologist and clinical associate professor with the University of Michigan Medical School, Department of Psychiatry. Her research focuses on innovations designed to improve access to care, especially those led by community health workers and peer... Read More →
Saturday November 2, 2024 11:30am - 12:30pm EDT
Virtual only (Zoom)
  Breakout Session, Virtual Only

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