Integrated model for mental health care. Are health care providers satisfied with it?

OBJECTIVE To determine whether health care providers are satisfied with an integrated program of mental health care.

DESIGN Surveys using a mailed questionnaire. Surveys were developed for each of the three disciplines; each survey had 30 questions.

SETTING Thirty-six primary care practices in Hamilton, Ont, participating in the Hamilton-Wentworth Health Service Organization's Mental Health Program.

PARTICIPANTS Family physicians, psychiatrists, and mental health counselors providing mental health care in primary care settings.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Satisfaction as shown on 5-point Likert scales.

RESULTS High levels of satisfaction with the model were recorded. Family physicians increased their skills, felt more comfortable with handling mental health problems, and were satisfied with the benefit to their patients. Psychiatrists and counselors were gratified that they were accepted by other members of the primary care team. Areas for improvement included finding space in primary care settings and better scheduling to allow for optimal communication.

CONCLUSION Family physicians, counselors, and psychiatrists expressed great satisfaction with a shared mental health care program based in primary care.