Improving the general health of persons with psychosis.
OBJECTIVE
A project designed to improve the quality of health care received by persons with psychosis is described.


METHODS
A nurse was appointed to provide liaison between the mental health service and general practitioners, and to facilitate general health care of patients. ACT Health offered service agreements to general practices, with quarterly per capita payments.


RESULTS
About half of the local general practices participated. The number of patients without a general practitioner was reduced and quality of health care improved compared with the previous year. Recurrent funding has been provided.


CONCLUSIONS
Improving the general health of persons with psychosis is an important issue for psychiatry. Having a similar project in all mental health services could be valuable.
Drew
Leslie
L
Mental Health ACT, Department of Psychological Medicine, Australian National University, ACT, Australia. les.drew@act.gov.au
Delacy
Fiona
F
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D020958:Australian Capital Territory; D003156:Community Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003299:Cooperative Behavior; D005194:Family Practice / Q000458:organization & administration*; D005260:Female; D006284:Health Plan Implementation / Q000458:organization & administration; D006801:Humans; D007400:Interprofessional Relations; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000523:psychology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011785:Quality Assurance, Health Care / Q000458:organization & administration; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000458:organization & administration*; D017664:Uncompensated Care