Black and Minority Ethnic Groups’ Perception and Experience of Early Intervention in Psychosis Services in the United Kingdom

Abstract

In the United Kingdom, Black and minority ethnic (BME) service users experience adverse pathways into mental health care. Ethnic differences are evident even at first-episode psychosis; therefore, contributory factors must operate prior to first presentation to psychiatric services. This study examines the cultural appropriateness, accessibility, and acceptability of the Early Intervention (EI) for Psychosis Services in Birmingham (the United Kingdom) in improving the experience of care and outcomes for BME patients. Thirteen focus groups were conducted with EI service users ( n = 22), carers ( n = 11), community and voluntary sector organizations ( n = 6), service commissioners ( n = 10), EI professionals ( n = 9), and spiritual care representatives ( n = 8). Data were analyzed using a thematic approach and framework analysis. Findings suggest that service users and carers have multiple, competing, and contrasting explanatory models of illness. For many BME service users, help-seeking involves support from faith/spiritual healers, before seeking medical intervention. EI clinicians perceive that help-seeking from faith institutions in Asian service users might lead to treatment delays. The value of proactively including service user’s religious and spiritual perspectives and experiences in the initial assessment and therapy is recognized. However, clinicians acknowledge that they have limited spiritual/religious or cultural awareness training. There is little collaborative working between mental health services and voluntary and community organizations to meet cultural, spiritual, and individual needs. Mental health services need to develop innovative collaborative models to deliver holistic and person-centered care.