World Bipolar Day - Advancing care through the OPTIMA service
This World Bipolar Day, South London and Maudsley NHS Trust is proud to celebrate the OPTIMA service, a pioneering programme that has been providing expert care for people with bipolar disorder since 2015. As we mark a 10-year milestone, we reflect on the positive impact OPTIMA has had in providing tailored care and support for individuals with bipolar disorder in Lewisham, Lambeth, and Southwark. The service aims to reduce hospital admissions and improve outcomes for individuals living with the condition.
The 2022 Bipolar Commission Report in the UK highlights the need for specific treatment and support for individuals with bipolar disorder. The report underscores the significant impact of bipolar episodes on individuals, the NHS and society. Episodes can lead to frequent hospitalisations and long-term health challenges for those affected. However, early response planning can improve outcomes and quality of life for individuals as well as savings for the NHS.
Core programme and services
The OPTIMA service offers a core programme that includes an Individual Psychoeducation Programme and Specialist Psychiatric Reviews as well as tailored specialist nursing interventions and occupational therapy. OPTIMA aims to stabilise the course of bipolar disorder, and then build on the service user’s personal recovery.
They also offer an online group psychoeducation programme, which runs 3 times a year and offers 10 sessions of psychoeducation.
Exciting developments
OPTIMA is working on two exciting developments, which are currently being piloted. A bipolar training programme for community staff will be launched over the next few months. This programme is designed to help community staff to support individuals with bipolar disorder by focusing on early warning sign planning.
Additionally, OPTIMA is developing a bipolar handbook for inpatients. The handbook will provide individuals with information about their diagnosis, triggers, early warning signs and strategies to maintain their wellbeing and stability. This Quality Improvement project is managed by OPTIMA’s clinical nurse specialist NanaAma Agyei-Benhene and Southwark’s Senior Clinical Psychologist Fahimeh Shanghai.
Looking ahead
With these new developments, OPTIMA continues to enhance the support available for individuals with bipolar disorder. The upcoming bipolar training programme will equip community staff with valuable insights, while the new inpatient handbook will provide a vital resource for those navigating their diagnosis and recovery. As these initiatives take shape, they will further strengthen the tailored, evidence-based approach that has defined OPTIMA’s work over the past decade. More details on the rollout of these initiatives will be shared in the coming months.
