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Introduction of point-of-care blood testing in early intervention in psychosis services: effects on physical health screening

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  11 April 2025

Monty Lyman Open the ORCID record for Monty Lyman [Opens in a new window] ,
Jack B. Fanshawe ,
Joshua Brewin ,
Thomas R. Fanshawe ,
Philip J. Turner Open the ORCID record for Philip J. Turner [Opens in a new window] ,
Margaret Glogowska ,
Ian Smith ,
Sarah Amani ,
Gail Hayward  and
Belinda Lennox Open the ORCID record for Belinda Lennox [Opens in a new window]
Monty Lyman*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
Jack B. Fanshawe
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
Joshua Brewin
Affiliation:
Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Thomas R. Fanshawe
Affiliation:
Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Philip J. Turner
Affiliation:
Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Margaret Glogowska
Affiliation:
Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Ian Smith
Affiliation:
Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
Sarah Amani
Affiliation:
Dorset Healthcare University NHS Foundation Trust, Poole, Dorset, UK
Gail Hayward
Affiliation:
Nuffield Department of Primary Health Care Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
Belinda Lennox
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, UK
*
Correspondence: Monty Lyman. Email: [email protected]
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Abstract

Background

There is a significant mortality gap between the general population and people with psychosis. Completion rates of regular physical health assessments for cardiovascular risk in this group are suboptimal. Point-of-care testing (POCT) for diabetes and hyperlipidaemia – providing an immediate result from a finger-prick – could improve these rates.

Aims

To evaluate the impact on patient–clinician encounters and on physical health check completion rates of implementing POCT for cardiovascular risk markers in early intervention in psychosis (EIP) services in South East England.

Method

A mixed-methods, real-world evaluation study was performed, with 40 POCT machines introduced across EIP teams in all eight mental health trusts in South East England from March to May 2021. Clinician training and support was provided. Numbers of completed physical health checks, HbA1c and lipid panel blood tests completed 6 and 12 months before and 6 months after introduction of POCT were collected for individual patients. Data were compared with those from the South West region, which acted as a control. Clinician questionnaires were administered at 2 and 8 months, capturing device usability and impacts on patient interactions.

Results

Post-POCT, South East England saw significant increases in HbA1c testing (odds ratio 2.02, 95% CI 1.17–3.49), lipid testing (odds ratio 2.38, 95% CI 1.43–3.97) and total completed health checks (odds ratio 3.61, 95% CI 1.94–7.94). These increases were not seen in the South West. Questionnaires revealed improved patient engagement, clinician empowerment and patients’ preference for POCT over traditional blood tests.

Conclusions

POCT is associated with improvements in the completion and quality of physical health checks, and thus could be a tool to enhance holistic care for individuals with psychosis.

Keywords

Psychotic disorders/schizophreniacomorbiditydiagnostic medicinemedical technologyout-patient treatment
Type
Original Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , First View , pp. 1 - 6
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Copyright
© The Author(s), 2025. Published by Cambridge University Press on behalf of Royal College of Psychiatrists

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