Primary care clinicians evaluate integrated and referral models of behavioral health care for older adults: results from a multisite effectiveness trial (PRISM-e).
BACKGROUND
Recent studies have shown that integrated behavioral health services for older adults in primary care improves health outcomes. No study, however, has asked the opinions of clinicians whose patients actually experienced integrated rather than enhanced referral care for depression and other conditions.


METHODS
The Primary Care Research in Substance Abuse and Mental Health for the Elderly (PRISM-E) study was a randomized trial comparing integrated behavioral health care with enhanced referral care in primary care settings across the United States. Primary care clinicians at each participating site were asked whether integrated or enhanced referral care was preferred across a variety of components of care. Managers also completed questionnaires related to the process of care at each site.


RESULTS
Almost all primary care clinicians (n = 127) stated that integrated care led to better communication between primary care clinicians and mental health specialists (93%), less stigma for patients (93%), and better coordination of mental and physical care (92%). Fewer thought that integrated care led to better management of depression (64%), anxiety (76%), or alcohol problems (66%). At sites in which the clinicians were rated as participating in mental health care, integrated care was highly rated as improving communication between specialists in mental health and primary care.


CONCLUSIONS
Among primary care clinicians who cared for patients that received integrated care or enhanced referral care, integrated care was preferred for many aspects of mental health care.
Gallo
Joseph J
JJ
Department of Family Practice and Community Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. jjgallo@mail.med.upenn.edu
Zubritsky
Cynthia
C
Maxwell
James
J
Nazar
Michael
M
Bogner
Hillary R
HR
Quijano
Louise M
LM
Syropoulos
Heidi J
HJ
Cheal
Karen L
KL
Chen
Hongtu
H
Sanchez
Herman
H
Dodson
John
J
Levkoff
Sue E
SE
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D001291:Attitude of Health Personnel; D019033:Delivery of Health Care, Integrated; D005260:Female; D006299:Health Services for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000628:therapy; D008605:Mental Health Services; D008875:Middle Aged; D010821:Physicians, Family / Q000523:psychology*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012017:Referral and Consultation