What's New | August 18, 2010

Integrated Primary Care

"Integrated primary care" refers to the integration of behavioral health services--mental health, substance abuse, and health behavior change strategies--with primary care services. The level of integration can vary depending on whether both services are coordinated, co-located, or integrated into one treatment plan.

The featured Innovations describe three programs that developed integrated primary care services to address the needs of vulnerable patient populations.

The featured QualityTools describe learning modules and toolkits on how to develop integrated primary care services.

Featured Innovations:

• Care Managers Enhance Access to Medical Care for Low-Income Individuals With Severe Mental Illness, Leading to Improved Physical and Mental Health

• Locating Mental and Behavioral Health Services in Health Plan Centers Enhances Access and Reduces Utilization of Inpatient Psychiatric Services for Community-Dwelling Frail Seniors

Featured QualityTools:

• Collaboration Between Mental Health and Primary Care Services: A Planning and Implementation Toolkit for Health Care Providers and Planners
Developed by Canadian Collaborative Mental Health Initiative

• Integrating Primary and Mental Health Care Services Learning Modules
Developed by University of Illinois, Chicago College of Nursing

• Partners in Health: Primary Care/County Mental Health Collaboration Tool Kit
Developed by Integrated Behavioral Health Project (IBHP)

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Also in This Issue:

Innovations >

• Hospital-Based Postpartum Support Group Reduces Depression and Increases Life Satisfaction

• Three-Tiered Emotional Support System Generates Positive Feedback From Providers Who Become "Second Victims" of an Unanticipated Clinical Event

• Weekly Feedback to Patients on Use of Rescue Medications Leads to Better Asthma Control

• Community-Wide Collaboration Provides School-Based Mental Health Services to Students and Families in Impoverished, High-Crime, Urban Neighborhoods

QualityTools >

• Integrated Behavioral Heath in Primary Care: Step-by-Step Guidance for Assessment and Intervention - Therapist Resource Guide
Developed by American Psychological Association

• Mills Depression and Anxiety Checklist
Developed by Better Birth, L.L.C