Whither and where next for early intervention teams in the UK? (Byrne, 2018)

Byrne P. Early Intervention in Psychiatry 2018;12(Supplement 1): 38.

Many London EI teams are now seeing adults into their 30s. I have come across some females (late 30s and 50+) who had psychotic depression and were complex, They had great results thanks to flexible EI team working; but can this work continue to be extended without more resources? What about working with vulnerable infants and young children? On the other hand does this trend represent the potential serial diluting of the EIP model in the NHS, England, by extending the scope of the EIP teams to cope with both wider age groups (beginning with teams stretching to 18-36 and some to 18-65) and all mental health diagnoses and all high risk states. This presentation will explore the pro's and con's of these developments, and review their impacts so far. In addition, there are new requirements to meet intake deadlines and comprehensive delivery requirements in return for nominal new enhancements for their trusts based on the National Access & Waiting Time Policy Standard. Is this resulting in real stabilization and further constructive development of EI teams, or is this an acceptance of an offer of a Faustian Pact under pressure, or resignation to having to comply with an unpalatable deal that they can't refuse? Firstly, will this enhancement really come back to EI teams? ? In reality are they just being asked to do more, more superficially with less resource? Secondly will it denature the culture & skills of a service which is vulnerable young-person friendly & developmentally focussed?