Impact of a Mental Health Based Primary Care Program on Quality of Physical Health Care

Adm Policy Ment Health. 2018 Mar;45(2):276-285. doi: 10.1007/s10488-017-0822-1.

Abstract

We examine the impact of mental health based primary care on physical health treatment among community mental health center patients in New York State using propensity score adjusted difference in difference models. Outcomes are quality indicators related to outpatient medical visits, diabetes HbA1c monitoring, and metabolic monitoring of antipsychotic treatment. Results suggest the program improved metabolic monitoring for patients on antipsychotics in one of two waves, but did not impact other quality indicators. Ceiling effects may have limited program impacts. More structured clinical programs to may be required to achieve improvements in quality of physical health care for this population.

Keywords: Integrated care; Primary care; Quality of care; Serious mental illness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Antipsychotic Agents / therapeutic use*
  • Female
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Mental Health Services / organization & administration*
  • Middle Aged
  • New York
  • Primary Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Quality of Health Care / organization & administration*
  • Schizophrenia / drug therapy*

Substances

  • Antipsychotic Agents