Supported medical care: a multi-faceted approach to helping HIV/hepatitis C virus co-infected adults with serious mental illness.

This paper presents a multi-faceted supported rehabilitation and health management model to inform the development of interventions for mentally ill adults who are HIV/hepatitis C virus co-infected. The model, referred to as 'supported medical care' (SMC), calls for the combination of chronic illness self-management skills training and enhanced case management. Illustrative examples of each SMC intervention component are provided. Integrated delivery of these intervention components shows promise for improving the coordination of psychiatric and medical care. Research and related policy challenges regarding ongoing quality improvement efforts are also discussed.