OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and functioning of the HIV and hepatitis C mental health in primary care service (H2M), a multidisciplinary team that works with local general practitioners (GPs) and the St Vincent's Hospital immunology clinic to meet the mental health needs of their patients living with HIV/AIDS and those undergoing interferon-based treatment for hepatitis C. METHOD: The authors describe and review the service, using information from a database of patient characteristics and from a GP satisfaction survey. RESULTS: GP satisfaction with the service was high and participating GPs have increased their knowledge and understanding of their patients' mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS: Over eight years, H2M has become a well utilized and valued specialty team with over 1,200 referrals in that time. Patients with other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiac and renal disease, could benefit from a similar service model.
OBJECTIVE: To describe the development and functioning of the HIV and hepatitis C mental health in primary care service (H2M), a multidisciplinary team that works with local general practitioners (GPs) and the St Vincent's Hospital immunology clinic to meet the mental health needs of their patients living with HIV/AIDS and those undergoing interferon-based treatment for hepatitis C. METHOD: The authors describe and review the service, using information from a database of patient characteristics and from a GP satisfaction survey. RESULTS: GP satisfaction with the service was high and participating GPs have increased their knowledge and understanding of their patients' mental health problems. CONCLUSIONS: Over eight years, H2M has become a well utilized and valued specialty team with over 1,200 referrals in that time. Patients with other chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, cardiac and renal disease, could benefit from a similar service model.
Authors: Fiona Leh Hoon Chuah; Victoria Elizabeth Haldane; Francisco Cervero-Liceras; Suan Ee Ong; Louise A Sigfrid; Georgina Murphy; Nicola Watt; Dina Balabanova; Sue Hogarth; Will Maimaris; Laura Otero; Kent Buse; Martin McKee; Peter Piot; Pablo Perel; Helena Legido-Quigley Journal: Health Policy Plan Date: 2017-11-01 Impact factor: 3.344