This work was pursued through four interconnected research studies, led by doctoral student Dr. Ruben Valle, a psychiatrist trained in Peru, as part of his doctoral work. The studies:

a) Assessed global research capacity and collaboration in early intervention for psychosis, comparing high-income countries (HICs) and low and middle-income countries (LMICs) to identify disparities and opportunities for advancement.

b) Examined evidence-based interventions available to individuals at clinical high risk for psychosis and those with first-episode psychosis in LMICs.

c) Investigated the implementation process of early intervention for psychosis initiatives in Latin America and the Caribbean, identifying facilitators and barriers influencing their development and sustainability.

d) Analyzed nation-wide service utilization patterns among individuals with psychosis in Peru in the context of the Peruvian Mental Health Reform and the COVID-19 pandemic. These patterns were compared to service utilization by individuals with non-psychotic mental disorders and physical illnesses.

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This research employed a variety of methods and approaches: bibliometric analysis, systematic review, case study with an implementation science framework and administrative data analysis. For a full picture of this work, please read Dr. Valle’s PhD thesis.