Delivering eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy in primary care: a service improvement pilot project

Mental health is a priority across the UK and primary care is the main point of access to mental health services. However, for some patients, such as those experiencing symptoms of an acute stress response or trauma response following a single incident event, there can be a lengthy waiting time for first-line interventions. To address this issue, a mental health nurse working with a GP practice in Northern Ireland undertook a service improvement pilot project involving delivery of eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to such patients in primary care. This article provides an overview of mental health in Northern Ireland and details the development of EMDR as a treatment for trauma. The author describes the rationale, implementation and outcomes of the service improvement pilot project, which involved ten participants. Overall, participants’ symptoms of depression and anxiety reduced over the course of the therapy and feedback was positive.