Evaluation of knowledge and attitudes among primary care physicians in Cavan-Monaghan as 'gatekeepers-in-waiting' for the introduction of Carepath for Overcoming Psychosis Early (COPE)

AimTo investigate general practitioners' current knowledge of and attitudes towards psychosis and its management by Cavan-Monaghan Mental Health Service, Ireland, prior to their involvement in the introduction of an early intervention service. MethodsAs part of a continuing medical education programme for psychosis, delivered to all 32 general practitioners practising in this region, participants were asked to complete a 29-item questionnaire designed to assess their baseline knowledge and attitudes. ResultsAll 32 general practitioners participated in the study. Although 17% had received no previous psychiatric training, 93% described their knowledge of psychiatric disorders as average or above average. However, only 53% could correctly identify all of a set of psychiatric symptoms related to psychosis. Only 50% felt comfortable initiating treatment for psychotic symptoms. Whereas only 40% had heard of the early intervention model, 89% believed it to be advantageous. Easy accessibility to services and rapid assessment of patients referred were most commonly reported as helpful. However, concerns were expressed about the potential for associated increases in workload. ConclusionsAs gatekeepers-in-waiting', these general practitioners will have a vital role in effective implementation of the early intervention service for psychosis. However, their knowledge needs improvement, through regular educational sessions, and this service must be responsive to their needs. In addition, general practitioners' concerns regarding the potential for increased workload must be adequately addressed in order to maintain enthusiasm and collaboration at the interface between primary care and mental health services, particularly in the context of early intervention.