Bernstein Medical Center Integrated Care Project 2015 Grant uri icon

abstract

  • Problem Statement: According to several well known researchers (as cited in Patterson et al., 2002), that 50% of mental health care is delivered solely by primary care physicians and 50-70% of all primary care visits are primarily for psychosocial concerns. However, only a small percentage of the population of patients with mental disorders or emotional disctress will ever see a mental health professional. We propose to implement medical family therapy services to improve patient outcomes for individuals who would not routinely seek support from outpatient mental health services offered outside of their medical home. Objectives: Specific objectives of MedFT include enhanced daily functioning for the patient and family, improved coping with chronic and acute symptoms, decreased conflict about treatment, improved communication with healthcare providers, increased acceptance of a health problem that cannot be cured, addressing barriers to treatment compliance and increased ability to make necessary lifestyle changes, such as diet and exercise. The overarching goals of MedFT are to increase the patient and family's sense of effectiveness in managing their health and other aspects of their lives and to decrease social isolation, which has significant health consequences. Collaboration among providers is an anchor for its success. The intended goal is to improve the biopsychosocial-spiritual health of Bernstein Center patients who are comprised mainly of the uninsured or underinsured populations. Method: The MedFT will enter the exam room either before, concurrent with, or after the primary care provider. The decision about when to meet each patient will be at the discretion of the provider. Upon entering the room the MedFT will introduce himself and explain the model of integrated services being offered at the clinic. Patients will then have the option to participate in MedFT services at this time or at a later date. The MedFT will collaborate with the provider and patient to determine if brief therapy at each medical visit is sufficient or a longer term more traditional model of therapy is needed at this time. Brief therapy services will be centered on the patient?s goal and offer immediate support to their expressed concerns. Information will be shared with their medical provider so that an integrated treatment plan can be developed for each patient who agrees to participate in this healthcare approach.

date/time interval

  • January 2015 - August 2015