More than 92% of consumers see the importance of merging physical and mental healthcare
The statement we tested:
“It’s important for healthcare systems to merge physical and mental health care.”
60.6% Strongly Agree
32.8% Agree
3.6% Disagree
1.0% Strongly Disagree
2.0% Don’t Know
NOTE: Nearly twice as many respondents “Strongly Agree” than “Agree”
For consideration: Consolidated Health Assessment
We suggest that CHCs, hospitals, and academic health systems (and primary care providers) consider a pilot program to unify physical and mental health treatment in areas where certain mental health conditions are known to overlap physical conditions. BTW: One example of this is the VA, which has effectively screened for addiction in primary care for years.
Examples: Depression and addiction. Depression and pain sensitivity. Stress/Anxiety and chronic conditions such as diabetes or heart disease.
Rationale:
1. Consolidating physical and mental health assessments can provide valuable clinical experience in Consolidated Health practice.
2. It can remove any lingering stigma around mental healthcare.
3. It may save resources.
The co-occurrence of the pandemic and the opioid epidemic have helped people see that physical and mental healthcare need to be combined
To be continued
The pandemic and the opioid epidemic are far from over. The ongoing healthcare services for both are underscoring the need to bring physical and mental healthcare into a more fully combined state.
Healthcare decision makers, it’s your move.
Contact us when you’re ready to use healthcare communications to solve healthcare problems.
