Psychosis is characterized by a disconnection with reality, which can be influenced by genetic factors and drug use. The first episode typically manifests between the ages of 15 and 35 and can severely disrupt a person’s social, family, educational and professional life. Early, specialized and intensive intervention is now widely recognized to significantly improve recovery outcomes, enabling most patients to return to a normal life in all respects. Although specialized programs are now being rolled out across the province in response, their approaches and quality can sometimes vary.
What if, as a young adult suffering from a first episode of psychosis, you could play a role in improving the care you receive? That’s where the Rapid-learning health system for first-episode psychosis (SAR-PEP) comes in. With your help, the CHUM wants to roll out a digital platform across Quebec that collects and analyzes real-time data from patients, their families, their loved ones and healthcare teams.
“Our goal is to assess and improve existing programs in order to provide standardized, high-quality mental health care based on solid evidence. This innovative program is set to be implemented in all 33 clinics across Quebec that serve young adults experiencing early-onset psychosis—and it’s all thanks to you. We’ll be able to give all young patients in Quebec an equal chance to recover.” — Dr. Amal Abdel Baki, head of the CHUM’s youth mental health unit