Association of participant preferences on work and school participation after a first episode of psychosis.

AIM: To explore baseline ratings of importance (ROI) across life domains for participants in the Recovery After an Initial Schizophrenia Episode Connection Program (RAISE CP), and investigate whether ratings were correlated with intervention outcomes over time.

METHODS: At baseline, 63 participants rated the importance of reducing symptoms, side-effects, confusion, increasing energy and school/work functioning and improving social relations. ROIs were examined in relation to work/school participation (n = 41) and occupational functioning (n = 37) after 12 months. Participants' mean age was 22.3 (±4.2).

RESULTS: The ROI domain rated as most important was school/work functioning, and higher school/work ROI at baseline predicted work/school participation after 12 months of participation.

CONCLUSIONS: It is particularly important to assess participant preferences and priorities when treating psychotic disorders because most areas of life are affected. Understanding the impact of participant goals on outcomes is essential as programs design patient-centred treatment plans.