What Are Patient Preferences for Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care?

Abstract

Background: Behavioral health services, integrated into primary care practices, have become increasingly implemented. Although patient satisfaction has been studied, limited information exists about patient preferences for integrated behavioral health in primary care and how perceptions may vary. Objective: To determine patient preferences for integrated behavioral health within primary care and explore differences across patient groups. Methods: A self-report survey was distributed within a quality improvement initiative in an academic health system. A brief 8-item self-report questionnaire of perceptions and preferences for integrated behavioral health was administered to 752 primary care patients presenting before their visits at two primary care clinics. Participation was voluntary, responses were anonymous, and all patients presenting during a three-week timeframe were eligible. Results: In general, patients preferred to have behavioral health concerns addressed within primary care (n = 301; 41%) rather than referral to a specialist (7.5%; n = 55). There was no evidence of variation in preferences by demographic characteristics. Comfort levels to receive behavioral health services ( P < .001) and perceived needs being met were significantly associated with preferences for receiving IBHPC ( P < .001). Conclusion: This project provided valuable data to support the implementation of integrated behavioral health services in primary care clinics. In general, patients prefer to have behavioral health issues addressed within their primary care experience rather than being referred to specialty mental health care. This study adds to an expanding pool of studies exploring patient preferences for integrated behavioral health in primary care.

Non-communicable diseases and the prospects of integrated behavioral health in India: current status and future directions

“…Usually, patients prefer integrated healthcare services (Herman et al ., 2016; Dunn et al ., 2021), where physicians and behavioral health professionals work together to address biopsychosocial issues (Zubatsky et al ., 2018a). For decades, the WHO and the World Organization of Family Doctors (WONCA) have strongly supported integrating mental health services in primary care (Funk et al ., 2008).…”

Reply to Letter to the Editor: What Are Orthopaedic Patients’ and Clinical Team Members’ Perspectives Regarding Whether and How to Address Mental Health in the Orthopaedic Care Setting? A Qualitative Investigation of Patients With Neck or Back Pain

“…Third, the Collaborative Care Model improves overall access and reduces racial and ethnic disparities related to accessing effective mental health treatment [1,6]. Adapting the collaborative care Model in the orthopaedic clinic has the potential to make an especially meaningful societal impact because musculoskeletal conditions are among the most common reasons people seek medical care, and because people are more likely to engage with mental health treatment when it is integrated into their usual medical care rather than when treatment requires travel to another clinic that exclusively addresses mental health [2,3,5].…”

Evaluating the Implementation of a Model of Integrated Behavioral Health in Primary Care: Perceptions of the Healthcare Team

“…6 IBHPC models have been found to increase service utilization, lower costs, enhance treatment outcomes and patient engagement, and elevate satisfaction among clinic staff and patients. 5,8-10…”

“…6 IBHPC models have been found to increase service utilization, lower costs, enhance treatment outcomes and patient engagement, and elevate satisfaction among clinic staff and patients. 5,[8][9][10] Despite the effectiveness of integrated models addressing behavioral health concerns, there are inherent challenges. 11 In integrated clinics, all staff members assume critical roles by working collaboratively to manage care for patients with behavioral health conditions.…”