Journal of general internal medicine
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Observational Study
Primary Care Behavioral Health Integration and Care Utilization: Implications for Patient Outcome and Healthcare Resource Use.
Behavioral health (BH) integration in primary care (PC) can potentially improve outcomes and reduce cost of care. While different models of integration exist, evidence from real-world examples is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness and value of integration. This study aimed to evaluate the outcomes of six PC practice sites located in Western New York that implemented a primary care behavioral health (PCBH) integration model. ⋯ PCBH integration appears to alter the treatment patterns among patients with BH conditions by shifting patient visits away from ED and PC providers toward BH providers who specialize in treatment of such patients.
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The American Board of Internal Medicine Foundation's Choosing Wisely campaign has resulted in a vast number of recommendations to reduce low-value care. Implementation of these recommendations, in conjunction with patient input, remains challenging. ⋯ Specific voting categories, along with the use of patient-friendly language, allowed for the successful co-creation of recommendations.
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Unsatisfactory cancer screening results are often associated with poor prognosis. This study synthesized the literatures addressing the impact of patient navigation (PN) interventions on population-based breast cancer screening promotion to identify characteristics of the model for addressing breast cancer disparities. ⋯ Patient navigation improves breast cancer screening rates but does not improve resolution of abnormal tests.