Maintaining a Family Work for Psychosis service by recognising and addressing the barriers to implementation

Abstract

This paper examines a number of barriers which in the past had led to the lack of introduction of Family Work for Psychosis service provision within local mental health services across Bath, North East Somerset and Western Wiltshire (all now within the Avon & Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust service). Barriers (and local solutions to them) are examined, relating to insufficient management and professional support, training and support needs, supervision, appropriate referral, coworking and case management, flexibility of delivery, and crisis versus strategic ways of working. Key elements, which have led to the successful implementation of family work for psychosis within local service provision are outlined. The utility of having a 'Service Champion' is emphasised. The service is currently an NHS Beacon Site, in recognition of its effective implementation of family work for psychosis within routine clinical practice.